gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl How to pronounce gradual (audio)
Definition of gradualnext
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

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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 There are recent signs that the gradual decline in church attendance has leveled off. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky also voiced support for the measure, saying the gradual ramp-up will give city leaders time to find the money. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Both countries announced last week that Turkey would begin a gradual withdrawal from the base. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 The gradual reappearance follows a monthslong shortage that began earlier this year. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
  1. incremental
  2. phased
Adjective
  • Some 2025 launches failed to recruit enough new consumers or generate enough incremental demand.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Mattel that year generated an incremental $90 million in operating profit, so that’s like 13% growth on a consolidated basis with the ‘Barbie’ movie.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of incremental
Adjective
  • The company had submitted the exemption request on December 31, 2025, as part of the first phase of its phased Construction Permit Application.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The process features multiple layers of review, numerous strict subject-matter restrictions and a notoriously short, multi-phased signature-gathering window.
    — Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of phased

Browse Nearby Words

grading
gradual
gradually
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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