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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Recent Examples of gradual
Although Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly two decades, Democrats view the state as increasingly competitive after a series of closer statewide races and a gradual shift toward the political center in recent election cycles.
—
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
In a gradual process, the pope’s territories were annexed by the new Italian state, and Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870, while the Vatican remained the Catholic seat of power.
—Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Rather than chasing restrictive diets, Purita recommends focusing on gradual improvements in diet quality over time.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026
Its lightweight cups sit flush against the chest without gapping, and gradual padding and light underwire create a natural shape without looking overdone.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
In a gradual process, the pope’s territories were annexed by the new Italian state, and Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870, while the Vatican remained the Catholic seat of power.
—Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Rather than chasing restrictive diets, Purita recommends focusing on gradual improvements in diet quality over time.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026
Its lightweight cups sit flush against the chest without gapping, and gradual padding and light underwire create a natural shape without looking overdone.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
-
Everything is meant to achieve incremental progress.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
The series is designed to emphasize incremental growth rather than instant capability, framing robotics as a system that evolves through interaction and experience.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
To solve the problem, the team turned to phased arrays, flat electronic antennas that steer radio beams without moving parts.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 May 2026
-
Garcia’s phased renovation will continue across the remaining floors; for the best views, ask for an upper-level suite.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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