as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gradual
For a more gradual tan, mix a few drops into your facial moisturizer and use daily.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
To a renaissance of human creativity or its gradual obsolescence?
—Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Under first-year coach Ben Johnson, the building process has been gradual but intense.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
The gradual uptick in Social Security’s full retirement age is done, with no more changes planned.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
To a renaissance of human creativity or its gradual obsolescence?
—Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Under first-year coach Ben Johnson, the building process has been gradual but intense.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
The gradual uptick in Social Security’s full retirement age is done, with no more changes planned.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
incremental
Adjective
-
That steady, incremental approach, paired with a willingness to accept that AI might not always be perfect, gave retailers an early edge.—
Zohar Gilad,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
First, incremental membership growth would increase the benefit of higher Classic membership pricing and any future Black Card pricing actions.—
Jesse Pound,
CNBC,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share