as in slowly
by small steps or amounts
gradually worked his way down the class roster add the sugar to the beaten egg whites gradually to make the meringue
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Recent Examples of gradually
Other sports franchises followed the Giants’ example, and dynamic pricing, which had already been employed by airlines and hotels, gradually became the norm in American sports.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
The Des Plaines River is expected to crest, or reach its highest peak, at 18 feet this morning before gradually receding, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Prediction Service.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
The other case concerned an old Japanese macaque whose ability to walk gradually deteriorated; the macaque maintained his alpha status by allying with the alpha female.
—ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
Against the backdrop of an island honeymoon, the two men clash and bicker before gradually uncovering an unexpected bond.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Fragrances and discreetly placed incense will diffuse gradually throughout the rooms, creating a soft, steam-like presence that enhances the environment.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Like going broke — as Hemingway famously quipped — my construction career happened gradually and then all at once.
—Nick Morton, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
Last year, Powell announced a plan to gradually reduce the Fed’s workforce in the coming years to around 2,000, trimming staff 10% each year until that goal is met.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
But disciplined investing gradually reverses that relationship.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
The Des Plaines River is expected to crest, or reach its highest peak, at 18 feet this morning before gradually receding, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Prediction Service.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
The other case concerned an old Japanese macaque whose ability to walk gradually deteriorated; the macaque maintained his alpha status by allying with the alpha female.
—ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
Against the backdrop of an island honeymoon, the two men clash and bicker before gradually uncovering an unexpected bond.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Fragrances and discreetly placed incense will diffuse gradually throughout the rooms, creating a soft, steam-like presence that enhances the environment.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Like going broke — as Hemingway famously quipped — my construction career happened gradually and then all at once.
—Nick Morton, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
Last year, Powell announced a plan to gradually reduce the Fed’s workforce in the coming years to around 2,000, trimming staff 10% each year until that goal is met.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
But disciplined investing gradually reverses that relationship.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradually
Adverb
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The egrets flew more slowly, their long bodies looking dark gray against the sunset as the sky turned to a pale purple.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Apr. 2026
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With full results expected later this year, the era of intelligent BCI therapeutics is slowly becoming a clinical reality.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
As part of its corporate goal of cutting emissions 50% by 2030, Netflix has been progressively transitioning its productions away from fossil fuels to newer technologies to power the productions behind its films and series.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Each boss, which gets progressively harder, presents a strategic challenge that Liquid must create answers for.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradually. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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