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
Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Observers say the gradual departure of Cuban personnel may reflect that delicate balancing act.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
The record-breaking nine-day Chinese New Year holiday has jolted the retail market back into action, offering early signs of a gradual recovery for luxury retail.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Artificial intelligence is a genuinely useful technology, but its impact will be uneven, gradual and impossible to predict.
—Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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.
Adjective
In contrast to the gradual arrival of the Hawaiian rikishi, the Mongolians came all at once, on the heels of the collapse of their country’s Communist government in 1990.
—Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Observers say the gradual departure of Cuban personnel may reflect that delicate balancing act.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
The record-breaking nine-day Chinese New Year holiday has jolted the retail market back into action, offering early signs of a gradual recovery for luxury retail.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Artificial intelligence is a genuinely useful technology, but its impact will be uneven, gradual and impossible to predict.
—Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
