grad·u·al
ˈgra-jə-wəl 
-jəl,
ˈgraj-wəl
1
: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
a gradual change in temperature
2
: proceeding by steps or degrees
a gradual climb to the top
gradually
adverb
gradualness
noun
variants
often Gradual
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
Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
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
All the hallmarks of an economic collapse are there, including the gradual shutdown and deterioration of public services, shortages of basic goods, and major rises in the cost of living.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
Think a steep tax hike, rather than a gradual, structural adjustment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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Adjective
Stratton called for an immediate increase to $25 an hour — a position her opponents, who supported a gradual increase to $17 per hour, said reflected naivety and a lack of Washington experience.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
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
All the hallmarks of an economic collapse are there, including the gradual shutdown and deterioration of public services, shortages of basic goods, and major rises in the cost of living.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
Think a steep tax hike, rather than a gradual, structural adjustment.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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