as in accumulative
produced by a series of additions of identical or similar things
a cumulative weight gain of 20 pounds over the course of a year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cumulative
In 2011, on his third mission, Mike Fincke set a new record for cumulative time in space by an American astronaut — 381 days.
—
Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2025
So, while the individual impact is small, the cumulative cost is likely to be considerable.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
Exposure to loud sound − which can be sudden, prolonged or cumulative − is the leading cause of tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association.
—Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
In the past 40 years, righties had a better cumulative ERA 20 times, and lefties 20 times, never separated by more than two-tenths of a run.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumulative
Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2025
So, while the individual impact is small, the cumulative cost is likely to be considerable.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
Exposure to loud sound − which can be sudden, prolonged or cumulative − is the leading cause of tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association.
—Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
In the past 40 years, righties had a better cumulative ERA 20 times, and lefties 20 times, never separated by more than two-tenths of a run.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumulative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumulative
Adjective
-
Overall, the accumulative impact of cost pressures represents a 20% to 25% increase over the agency’s current long-range financial plan.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Aug. 2025
-
The accumulative effects of a whole comprised of many different foods with artificial dyes, consumed over a lifetime, is even harder to assess.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite complaints from productions, some paparazzi see their work as being additive to the marketing of a film.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Additionally, the cumulative effect of ADHD drug treatment may lead to additive improvements over time, whereas negative consequences may accumulate the longer an individual goes untreated.—
Anuradha Varanasi,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Mamdani has taken a more aggressive approach than many traditional Democrats—who have historically championed incremental reform and avoided expansive tax policies targeting high earners.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In fact, Apple could emerge as the ultimate winner in the AI shake-up, capturing incremental value regardless of which company leads the next phase of search.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Temperatures are anticipated to remain above normal through today with a gradual cooling trend expected as the week progresses.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The weather service said gradual weakening was likely Tuesday, and Fernand is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone Wednesday without making landfall.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cumulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumulative. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share