as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off

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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 gradient This is the first time the ombré design, characterized by a gradient transitioning from a vibrant center to deep black edges, appears in this fiery hue, achieved through physical vapour deposition. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 This design consists of a super soft and subtle gradient that goes from a nude or light pink base to a milky white tip, creating a subtle and ethereal blurred effect. Dulce Moncada, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025 Critically, the team controlled for various confounding effects, such as thermoelectric voltages caused by temperature gradients and external electromagnetic interference. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025 The dry conditions come amid the historically windy season in March and April, as stronger temperature differences and pressure gradients lead to more frequent and intense winds. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
  • But McIlroy, with ice in his own veins, bombed his drive and put his approach within two feet after spinning it off the slope behind the hole.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The proverbial slope from seemingly reasonable uses of these technologies to unconstitutional and unjustifiably speech-suppressive uses is very slippery.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The unusual trajectory aligned the Falcon 9 with a perfectly polar orbit at an inclination of 90 degrees to the equator, bringing the four-person crew directly over the North or South Pole every 45 minutes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025
  • And grant funding has become less reliable as state governments face their own financial challenges while the Trump administration has shown little inclination to aid transit systems.
    Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The resort, however, is on an incline, and the hot springs are at the very top of the hill.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2025
  • An investigation determined that the injuries occurred after the victim had parked a red 2006 Kia Sedona on an incline on the northbound side of Lyric Lane.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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