as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
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Recent Examples of gradual
What soon follows is a gradual, gentle introduction to a wide ensemble of characters with torrid histories — which is to say, falling-outs over drag show disagreements — as zombie mayhem slowly creeps in through the corners of the frame.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 June 2025
But Williams will have to put in the time to make gradual, significant growth.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
The current iOS and iPadOS design has its roots in 2013's iOS 7, though with over a decade's worth of gradual evolution on top.
—ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
This gradual reduction in bone density, called osteopenia, can progress to osteoporosis.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 June 2025
But Williams will have to put in the time to make gradual, significant growth.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
The current iOS and iPadOS design has its roots in 2013's iOS 7, though with over a decade's worth of gradual evolution on top.
—ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
This gradual reduction in bone density, called osteopenia, can progress to osteoporosis.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
incremental
Adjective
-
The city prefers incremental annual adjustments, his presentation showed, so that larger one-time adjustments can be avoided.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2025
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While total overhauls remain relatively rare, effective leaders continue to focus on incremental improvements, remaining cautious but committed to refining operations to enhance performance and mitigate risks.—
John M. Bremen,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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