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

It’s set within AMAI, a sprawling hotel development between Cancún and Puerto Morelos, located within a mangrove landscape that gradually opens onto the Caribbean. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

What began as a relatively intimate documentation of editors, retailers and industry insiders gradually became a global phenomenon. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Fiber, fat, and protein slow down your digestion, so as your body breaks down carbs, glucose is released more gradually into the bloodstream. — Trista Chan, HEALTH, 12 Oct. 2026

Across the industry, music-listening habits have gradually shifted in favor of older music over the past few years, particularly because of the nostalgia surrounding it. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Jolani gradually transformed northwestern Syria into the best-functioning part of the country. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Beginning at an altitude of 155 miles (250 km), the spacecraft will gradually lower its path before releasing the lander. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Step 4 Reduce speed to low and with motor running, gradually pour in brown butter in a thin, continuous stream; beat until incorporated, about 2 minutes. — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

The colours gradually fade over several hours without further treatment, although bright visible light can erase them faster. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026