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
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Paz has sought to ease Bolivia back into a market economy through gradual reforms, offsetting the end of fuel subsidies with measures such as raising the minimum wage to protect lower-income Bolivians.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
Together, these incentives provide more than seven years of protection while supporting a gradual and structured transition back to employment.
—Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Hasna’s problematic actions are meant to be seen through this lens, alongside the gradual revelation of her life back in Morocco, yet our interest in sticking with her comes more from Erradi’s compellingly flinty performance than the flawed character development.
—Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
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Adjective
For most healthy adults, though, the bigger risk is missing out on the benefits than experiencing any downside from a thoughtful, gradual introduction.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
Paz has sought to ease Bolivia back into a market economy through gradual reforms, offsetting the end of fuel subsidies with measures such as raising the minimum wage to protect lower-income Bolivians.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
Together, these incentives provide more than seven years of protection while supporting a gradual and structured transition back to employment.
—Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Hasna’s problematic actions are meant to be seen through this lens, alongside the gradual revelation of her life back in Morocco, yet our interest in sticking with her comes more from Erradi’s compellingly flinty performance than the flawed character development.
—Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 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 22 May. 2026.
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