grad·u·al
ˈgra-jə-wəl 
-jəl,
ˈgraj-wəl
1
: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
2
: proceeding by steps or degrees
gradually
adverb
gradualness
noun
often capitalized
1
: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass
2
: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass
Examples of gradual in a Sentence
Adjective
We noticed a gradual change in temperature.
The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Lessons in special education don't only happen in special education classes
The University of Central Florida's teacher prep program has been under a gradual shift over the last seven years.
—Beth Wallis, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025
While that average has remained more or less the same since May of last year, like the cost of many other goods and services, there’s been a gradual increase in the price since 2020.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
But density is gradual and takes decades to be effective.
—Conor Dougherty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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Adjective
Trends generally fall into two categories: Evolutionary Trends: These are gradual shifts – think better, faster, or cheaper versions of what already exists.
—Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Lessons in special education don't only happen in special education classes
The University of Central Florida's teacher prep program has been under a gradual shift over the last seven years.
—Beth Wallis, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025
While that average has remained more or less the same since May of last year, like the cost of many other goods and services, there’s been a gradual increase in the price since 2020.
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
But density is gradual and takes decades to be effective.
—Conor Dougherty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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