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

But the rock is under constant monitoring, evacuation plans are prepared and experts say the rock is more likely to break down gradually than in one huge chunk. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

As competence and sustained performance increase, those boundaries can gradually loosen. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

With help from her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), Mia gradually grows into her royal role while navigating school, friendship, romance and all the awkwardness that comes with being a teenager in the spotlight. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

Tuesday and most of Wednesday look dry and warm, with highs in the upper 80s to around 90 and humidity gradually increasing. — Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

The 2027 budget also expresses the state’s intent to gradually increase these percentages and to extend weighted funding to students with disabilities beginning in fiscal year 2028. — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026

But Israel, which under the road map must gradually withdraw from Gaza, says Hamas must fully disarm before any Israeli withdrawal. — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

As the train gains elevation, dense coastal forest gradually gives way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and, early in the season, lingering snowfields before reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,885 feet. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

The trailer starts in the familiar territory of family and aspiration before gradually tightening its grip. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026