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
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
At its core, the technology exploits salinity gradients between water sources.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 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
The architects will be tasked with bringing best practice to any plans, be that working on seat size, stand gradients, or removing the roof to form an extra tier.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
In September, Polène unveiled a collaboration with Chinese glass artist Jinya Zhao, which took the shape of a geometric sculpture made of blown glass and leather off-cuts and created in two watercolor gradients of lavender and amber.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 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
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
At its core, the technology exploits salinity gradients between water sources.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 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
The architects will be tasked with bringing best practice to any plans, be that working on seat size, stand gradients, or removing the roof to form an extra tier.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
In September, Polène unveiled a collaboration with Chinese glass artist Jinya Zhao, which took the shape of a geometric sculpture made of blown glass and leather off-cuts and created in two watercolor gradients of lavender and amber.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradients
Noun
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These cobalt crusts are found on seamount slopes, which contain vital metals such as cobalt, nickel, and platinum.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Skiers are spoiled for choice here, with three mountain peaks and 51 slopes.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Several sections south of town offered up steep, short, rocky inclines that did not feel particularly rideable on a bike loaded with camping gear and five days of food and fuel.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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Most roads were nothing more than unpaved, gravel tracks with steep inclines, scary drop-offs, and switchback curves.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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 14 Nov. 2025.
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