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 Chahl and his colleagues collected 5,260 images—both real tongue photographs found on the Internet and additional color-gradient images. Eve Lu, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025 Help your dahlias stand out more by adding in a few lighter colors to balance things out—gradient peach, light yellow, or blush pink dahlias add dimension. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025 That translates to vibrant color, smooth fills and gradients, and notably good contrast. PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025 Known for surrealistic designs and sculptural shapes, Harri transformed mostly wide-leg jeans into optical illusions with through prints and gradients. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
  • Renovations on the previous building had been paused by the district in 2019 due to the cost related to its many levels and slopes.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Children ran up and down the grassy slope behind the Capitol as their families protested on James Robertson Parkway.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On command, the Arc would detach from the service module and reenter the atmosphere at Mach 20+ with a high sustained g-load to arrive at any location within its orbital inclination zone.
    David Szondy October 13, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
  • As Tuchel attested, England’s inclination to regain possession was as impressive as their work on the ball.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • View gallery - 6 images Californian e-mobility outfit Viribus has launched a new electric trike family, with tasty specs like a 1,200-W peak motor on offer for pedaling or throttling up inclines, as well as dual shocks, rear differential, and a two-step folding design.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Beautyrest adjustable bed has pre-empted your modification needs in many ways, from head-and foot-rest incline options to a zero-gravity preset that provides a feeling of weightlessness.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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