Definition of incrementalnext
1
as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees the incremental evolution of the collection from a specialized gallery into a comprehensive art museum

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2
as in cumulative
produced by a series of additions of identical or similar things the incremental total for my collection of baseball cards

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incremental Putin began the year projecting confidence about his campaign to subjugate Ukraine, despite incremental progress on the battlefield. Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026 The hundreds of incremental improvements that made that single moment possible. Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026 Implementation of the plan is expected to be incremental, with financing tools including SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Grants identified as potential funding mechanisms. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 The 2026 Studio Display, meanwhile, is an incremental upgrade to its 2022 predecessor, refreshing the ports and webcam features but not much else. Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incremental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incremental
Adjective
  • Two of the people with MS, including Miller, have progressive MS, a form of the disease marked by gradual worsening of neurological function and disabilities over time.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Both Krishnamoorthi and Kelly argue Stratton’s approach could harm small businesses and entry-level jobs and say a gradual increase to $17 an hour is more politically achievable.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The lingering overnight heat significantly increases the risk of heat illness because the body doesn’t have a chance to cool down, leading to cumulative strain, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke, which can be deadly.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Research also shows that Medicare coverage alone would generate nearly $1 trillion in cumulative social benefits over the next decade.
    Alison Sexton Ward, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Incremental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incremental. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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