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
This process leads to a gradual loss of battery capacity over time.
—
New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Though Google didn’t specify, the rollout may be gradual.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
About 40 percent supported a total regime change compared to about 10 percent who support gradual reform within the Islamic Republic.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Another challenge is the gradual disappearance of traditional navigation practices.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Though Google didn’t specify, the rollout may be gradual.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
About 40 percent supported a total regime change compared to about 10 percent who support gradual reform within the Islamic Republic.
—Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
Another challenge is the gradual disappearance of traditional navigation practices.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
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Instead, expectations are for incremental developments, including updates on a long-term revenue forecast related to current and future data center chips.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
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That progress has been incremental but impressive for Pelz, who is back for his fourth varsity season.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Create phased repair plans for critical maintenance over 10 years.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Construction, which will include an exterior remodeling, is expected to begin later this year with phased openings, including additional retail, dining and wellness concepts, in 2028.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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