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

Flights gradually resumed, but significant delays were expected through the evening while crews worked to restore service and airlines offered some travelers fee-free changes. — Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Antonioli built his conglomerate gradually, quietly and confidently, backed by expertise in retail and fashion honed for years. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

The yellow packaging will roll out gradually and stay in use through 2027. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2026

Veterinarian Neil Marrinan recommends getting dogs comfortable with handling gradually before attempting more involved grooming, per PetMD. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026

As a result, the towns left behind can gradually lose their energy and become quieter and more melancholic. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Cable prices gradually rose as well, but The Hollywood Reporter has a great breakdown of how much more quickly the cost of streaming services rose. — Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 20 Sep. 2026

Odalys, which is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, is forecast to gradually strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by late Monday. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Keep the cuttings in a shady site until leaves start to form, and then they can then be gradually moved into a full-sun location. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026