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

Once synonymous with industry—Renault operated its enormous factory here for much of the 20th century—the island has been gradually reinventing itself as a cultural district. — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026

China has opened much of its financial sector to foreign firms since 2018, gradually lifting foreign ownership caps on services such as securities, futures and fund management. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The threat should gradually diminish later tonight as the front moves offshore. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Wind speeds were expected in the 50 to 70 mph range through early afternoon Friday before gradually weakening. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

In Uruguay, the Salto Grande hydroelectric dam, which the country shares with Argentina, has gradually opened its gates to relieve the rising Uruguay River, flooding parts of cities downstream. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Many of the office’s responsibilities, such as processing jury payments, opening and closing bank accounts, recording deposits and processing payments gradually have been transferred to other county offices. — Isaac Yu, Houston Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2026

The first Captain America movie used this quality of his well, but his character’s distinctiveness gradually faded in subsequent Marvel entries. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

Investors get scared the same way moguls go bankrupt, gradually, then quickly. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026