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
Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
What teams observe instead is a gradual decline in the quality of inbound inquiries over 18 to 24 months.
—Anisha Chawla, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Philanthropist and restoration guru Albert Okura came to the rescue by purchasing the entire town and starting the gradual restoration of the cafe, motel, gas station, gift shop and towering neon sign.
—Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
Despite a rocky start in 2025, Manning showed gradual improvement and played his best ball over the final month of the season (11 total touchdowns and zero turnovers in the final three games).
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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Adjective
Beyond the physical destruction, the Great War, as it was then known, destroyed a world where many people believed in progress and gradual advance and replaced it with a cynical and desperate world, in which nations and ideologies were natural and necessary enemies.
—Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
What teams observe instead is a gradual decline in the quality of inbound inquiries over 18 to 24 months.
—Anisha Chawla, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Philanthropist and restoration guru Albert Okura came to the rescue by purchasing the entire town and starting the gradual restoration of the cafe, motel, gas station, gift shop and towering neon sign.
—Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
Despite a rocky start in 2025, Manning showed gradual improvement and played his best ball over the final month of the season (11 total touchdowns and zero turnovers in the final three games).
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 May 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 31 May. 2026.
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