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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Recent Examples of gradients
Hisense says cyan occupies a part of the spectrum where the human eye is especially sensitive, allowing the panel to render smoother gradients, more realistic tones and subtler transitions without oversaturation.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
Calendar pages with gradients, text overlays, or metallic accents create the most striking effects for this one, as the spiral created reveals unexpected color combinations.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
Columns painted in gradients of yellow, red, and bronze evoke stability and uplift.
—Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
The image was captured using the telescope's most sensitive X-ray instrument, the European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC)-pn, revealing a distinct X-ray glow (shown in red) surrounded by fainter gradients.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2025
What helped to get this gizmo working consistently was realizing that proton magnetometers don’t tolerate large gradients in the magnetic field.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Fortunately, the terrain doesn’t give me much choice early on, launching into some absurd gradients as steep as 36 percent—essentially a wall.
—Joe Baur, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025
The range of possibilities allows the velvet effect to be applied in many other ways—from a subtle version, perhaps only on the tip of the classic French manicure, to more daring designs with abstract nail art, gradients, or metallic chrome details.
—Laura Solla, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
For a bold expression, Specialist Paint Finishes offer an endless spectrum of hues, from striking metallics to custom gradients.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
Calendar pages with gradients, text overlays, or metallic accents create the most striking effects for this one, as the spiral created reveals unexpected color combinations.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
Columns painted in gradients of yellow, red, and bronze evoke stability and uplift.
—Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
The image was captured using the telescope's most sensitive X-ray instrument, the European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC)-pn, revealing a distinct X-ray glow (shown in red) surrounded by fainter gradients.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2025
What helped to get this gizmo working consistently was realizing that proton magnetometers don’t tolerate large gradients in the magnetic field.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Fortunately, the terrain doesn’t give me much choice early on, launching into some absurd gradients as steep as 36 percent—essentially a wall.
—Joe Baur, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025
The range of possibilities allows the velvet effect to be applied in many other ways—from a subtle version, perhaps only on the tip of the classic French manicure, to more daring designs with abstract nail art, gradients, or metallic chrome details.
—Laura Solla, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
For a bold expression, Specialist Paint Finishes offer an endless spectrum of hues, from striking metallics to custom gradients.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradients
Noun
-
In the winter, residents can take to the slopes of Sun Valley Resort; come summertime, skis are replaced with hiking boots, mountain bikes, and golf clubs.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
-
North-facing slopes around Gornergrat and Stockhorn tend to hold firm, chalky conditions, while the cross-border run into Cervinia adds sunnier aspects and softer snow.—
Bailey Berg,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Its flexible 3-layer HydroWall shell is completely waterproof and still breathable, with pit zips to release excess heat on steep inclines.—
Annita Katee,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Dec. 2025
-
Recovery days are crucial because posterior chain muscles—your glutes, hamstrings, and calves—can fatigue quickly at higher inclines, says Hribick.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Outside,
13 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Lin—whose early career at Zappos and mathematical inclinations molded him into an early backer of companies like Airbnb and DoorDash—has been at Sequoia since 2010.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
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For costume designer Nicky Smith, helping Robinson and Kanin deliver on the show’s eccentric potential meant working against her natural inclinations.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradients.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradients. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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