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
Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
The chart shows steady collections around $2-4 billion from 2015-2017, followed by gradual increases to $6-8 billion through 2020-2024, then a sharp upward spike in 2025 reaching a peak of $27.2 billion in June 2025.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 31 July 2025
Address resistance through education, value demonstration and gradual implementation that builds confidence over time.
—Sunil Kumar Puli, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
While the changes and overall decline in public safety didn’t happen overnight, some feel closing the street in the first place is what contributed to its gradual slip.
—Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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Adjective
The storm is moving toward the west-northwest and this motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days with a gradual decrease in forward speed.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
The chart shows steady collections around $2-4 billion from 2015-2017, followed by gradual increases to $6-8 billion through 2020-2024, then a sharp upward spike in 2025 reaching a peak of $27.2 billion in June 2025.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 31 July 2025
Address resistance through education, value demonstration and gradual implementation that builds confidence over time.
—Sunil Kumar Puli, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
While the changes and overall decline in public safety didn’t happen overnight, some feel closing the street in the first place is what contributed to its gradual slip.
—Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.
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