Synonyms of gradual

gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl 

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

• incremental
• phased
• progressive
• piecemeal
• step-by-step
• gradational
• stepped
• tapered
• imperceptible
• inching
• decrescent
• increscent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sudden
• abrupt
• discontinuous
• acute
• sharp
• dynamic
• saltatory
• volatile
• changeable
• meteoric

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gradual

The challenge is no longer finding new avenues for growth, but knowing which ones to pursue without repeating the gradual dilution that weakened the brand before. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

The legislative provision must include gradual and continual reductions in federal debt held by the public as a percent of GDP between the date of enactment and Fiscal 2040 with automatic enforcement mechanisms. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 15 July 2026

While an ombré is a subtle, gradual tonal shift between two hues in the same color family, a gradient offers a distinct line between three or four different tones in the same color family. — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Certain Windows Insider builds no longer use a gradual feature rollout process, but the stable version of Windows 11 still does. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 15 July 2026