graduated

adjective

grad·​u·​at·​ed ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd How to pronounce graduated (audio)
1
: marked with divisions indicating degrees or units of measurement
a graduated cylinder/tube
graduated measuring cups
2
a
: divided into or arranged in grades, steps, or successive levels usually proportionally
a graduated series of honors
b
of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive
a graduated income tax

Example Sentences

a series of bowls in graduated sizes
Recent Examples on the Web Tiffany & Co's graduated diamond necklace makes for a refined take on the riviere. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 5 Aug. 2022 In fiscally strapped Illinois, one of nine states with a flat income tax, Gov. J.B. Pritzker led a campaign for a constitutional amendment to allow a graduated or progressive tax. Grover Norquist, WSJ, 8 Nov. 2020 Voters overwhelmingly passed a graduated income tax in 1932. Gene Johnson, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2023 The federal income tax, the one that gets talked about and tweaked the most, is a genuine, graduated tax. Dallas News, 26 Aug. 2022 The second step is aerobic exercise, a graduated exercise program of stationary-bicycle or treadmill work, stretching and balance training. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 27 Dec. 2022 The biggest early question for the Spartans is who steps in to fill the center spot for graduated senior Olivia Abbott. Trevor Hass, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Dec. 2022 Deb graduated magna cum laude with degrees in English and history from Luther College, a private liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa, and fulfilled graduate credits from the College of Journalism, University of Iowa. Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2022 The second step is aerobic exercise, a graduated exercise program of stationary-bicycle or treadmill work, stretching and balance training. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 27 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'graduated.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

see graduate entry 1

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of graduated was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near graduated

Cite this Entry

“Graduated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graduated. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Legal Definition

graduated

adjective
grad·​u·​at·​ed
ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd
of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive

More from Merriam-Webster on graduated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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