gradients

plural of gradient
as in slopes
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 gradients These thermal gradients generate stresses that may crack or spall – chip or flake off – the outer surface, but the heat often does not penetrate deeply enough to compromise the structural core. Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 Add a pop of color to your workout with this pair of sneakers that come in gradients of vibrant yellow, pink, purple, and more. Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Why Gradients Are In As far as why gradients are the paint technique of the moment, Studholme has a bit of a theory. Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 Myriad uses In the testing, the material was put into extreme temperature gradients, and an infrared camera was used to track heat flow. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 The original Östereichring was a spectacular thing, with steep gradients, long straights, and high-speed curves, surrounded by views of the Styrian mountains. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 Schiavo said the Federal Railroad Administration issues national standards on train crossing gradients. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 Inspired by the fan-favorite drink, this dreamy aura design blends soft gradients with a vibrant pop of jellyfish candy red for a look that's almost good enough to eat. Amanda Le, InStyle, 25 June 2026 The gemstones were meticulously arranged in tonal gradients, progressing from deeper shades at the base to more luminous hues at the crest. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradients
Noun
  • That's a big issue for a mid-altitude ski resort like the Adelboden-Lenk area, whose roughly 200 kilometers (125 miles) of slopes span an altitude between 1,000 and 2,300 meters (3,280 and 7,545 feet).
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The playground would have some downward slopes built in to create multiple levels, with grassy hills surrounding at least two tiers of flooring designed for soft outdoor play.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Cows amble in the distance along the inclines of meadows; their grazing helps control invasive plants.
    Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.
    Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • People with gene variants that affect these inclinations may also be at a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers found.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gradients.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradients. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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