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
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
This oxygenation event, though gradual, set the stage for multicellular life.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Quick follower spikes can also hint at fraudulent behavior, but Social Blade helps weed out quick follower increases that don’t mirror the gradual growth norm.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The early part of the weekend calls for rain before a gradual clearing and pleasant conditions.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025
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Adjective
The play’s emotional arc hangs on the gradual development of daughter and mother’s relationship — their struggle with each other, their own inner lives, and the ways in which both women love fiercely without always necessarily being able to see clearly.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
This oxygenation event, though gradual, set the stage for multicellular life.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Quick follower spikes can also hint at fraudulent behavior, but Social Blade helps weed out quick follower increases that don’t mirror the gradual growth norm.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The early part of the weekend calls for rain before a gradual clearing and pleasant conditions.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.
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