Synonyms of gradually

gradually

adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slowly
• bit by bit
• progressively
• by degrees
• inch by inch
• little by little
• piece by piece
• increasingly
• piecemeal
• gradationally
• imperceptibly
• hierarchically
• inchmeal
• fractionally
• crescively

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suddenly
• abruptly
• sharply
• steeply
• acutely
• hastily
• precipitously

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gradually

The science did not support this view, but the market did, and so the messaging to and among parents gradually shifted. — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

The populists have gradually taken over Serbia’s institutions and mainstream media after coming to power in 2012. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

This is good for the introvert because the idea can be explored and externalized gradually in a relatively low pressure space. — Paul Jones, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026

While relations with Moscow remain frosty for much of the world, Russian filmmakers are gradually coming in from the cold. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

DeSeta said this disconnection can develop gradually, as spouses begin living increasingly separate lives. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Recruitment has gradually gone from manager-controlled to sporting director-led, with the owner now doing much, much more than agreeing a budget and cutting a cheque. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

The pillars of the village are gradually being deconstructed. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Apply alkalizers gradually, work them into the soil, and water deeply; do regular pH testing and follow organic practices. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026