as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months

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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 Following Fidel Castro’s departure from public life in 2008, Cuba’s subsequent leader, and Fidel’s brother, Raul Castro, announced a series of gradual steps intended to encourage private enterprise that had long been curtailed by the government. Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 But one area that remained dominated by country crooners and fans, albeit amid gradual change, was Broadway. Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Metsera said gradual, one-to-two step increases in that dose could give the drug a tolerability edge over rivals in the GLP-1 class. Annika Kim Constantino,bertha Coombs, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 The playful post also sparked debate, with some users warning that young dogs need gradual training before being left alone. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
  • These huge losses continue as Russian forces make only incremental gains.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The company has not introduced a new mass-market vehicle in years, relying heavily on incremental updates to the Model 3 and Model Y to drive sales.
    Mrinmay Dey, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The plan calls for $19 million in phased infrastructure projects within five years.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The framework envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of all hostages, and a major prisoner exchange.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

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“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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