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gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl How to pronounce gradual (audio)
Definition of gradualnext
as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gradual The shifts were far too sudden and widespread to be explained by gradual evolution. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026 The real worry is that, just as with Time and Newsweek, the destruction of the 60 Minutes brand will come not from a sudden collapse but a gradual erosion, in both quality and ratings. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 The lighter everyday option uses one-button control, a gradual start, four modes and USB-C charging in a slim design. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Some gradual strengthening was forecast over the coming days. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
  1. incremental
  2. phased
Adjective
  • Despite the regulatory hurdles, that incremental evolution has produced a wave of expansion announcements this year.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • When breakthroughs are elusive, pursuing incremental gains and the steady destruction of enemy capacity becomes attractive.
    — NADIA SCHADLOW, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of incremental
Adjective
  • The company had submitted the exemption request on December 31, 2025, as part of the first phase of its phased Construction Permit Application.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The process features multiple layers of review, numerous strict subject-matter restrictions and a notoriously short, multi-phased signature-gathering window.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of phased

Browse Nearby Words

grading
gradual
gradually
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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