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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Recent Examples of gradient
This, combined with the steep gradients, means that rain and snowmelt quickly wash fecal matter—not just from humans, but from dogs and natural wildlife—from the surrounding slopes down into the low-lying lakes.
—
Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 23 July 2025
Meanwhile, the day proved difficult for some of the earlier breakaway hopefuls, as the steep gradients and relentless tempo whittled down the field.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
As bright as the sun, the lemon-yellow model dial gradient from black to yellow with coordinating strap brings a pop of warmth wherever worn — from the office to dining out to the beach.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
La Chiva on the island of Vieques is frequently ranked among the best spots in the Caribbean and is known for its blue gradient waters.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 23 July 2025
Meanwhile, the day proved difficult for some of the earlier breakaway hopefuls, as the steep gradients and relentless tempo whittled down the field.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
As bright as the sun, the lemon-yellow model dial gradient from black to yellow with coordinating strap brings a pop of warmth wherever worn — from the office to dining out to the beach.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
La Chiva on the island of Vieques is frequently ranked among the best spots in the Caribbean and is known for its blue gradient waters.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
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Use it as a ground cover along walkways, to stabilize soil on sunny banks or slopes, or to edge patios.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 Aug. 2025
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Then, one by one, the elephants climbed uphill and headed into the bamboo thicket on the other side of the slope.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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An inclination to laugh all the way to the poorhouse?—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
21 Aug. 2025
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For another, any inclination by foreign leaders during Trump's first term to challenge him too directly has been replaced by a strategy of flattery.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The 12-3-30 treadmill workout, popularized by influencer Lauren Giraldo, promises a fat-burning, low-impact fitness solution: Walk at a 12% incline, at a pace of three miles per hour, for 30 minutes.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Composting locations don’t need to be perfectly level, but selecting a spot that doesn’t have any significant inclines or depressions makes compost piles much easier to manage.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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