progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce progression (audio)
Synonyms of progressionnext
1
: a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law
2
a
: the action or process of progressing : advance
b
: a continuous and connected series : sequence
3
a
: succession of musical tones or chords
b
: the movement of musical parts in harmony
progressional
prə-ˈgresh-nəl How to pronounce progression (audio)
-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of progression in a Sentence

Doctors were surprised by the rapid progression of the disease. the natural progression of his musical talent
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The data points to a lack of clarity around career progression and a growing willingness among HR professionals to walk away. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026 As for Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval, both pitchers are trending toward returning to game action but are still well behind the other three starter candidates in their progressions. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026 The central chord progression’s pads and low-end synths begin at low volumes and swell upward as that resonant grain bites into the mix, the latter doing so with gate and delay effects before spiralling back downward. Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026 Long-term studies tracking cancer progression, immune response and climate systems lose continuity. Dave Doneson, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for progression

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of progression was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progression. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

progression

noun
pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce progression (audio)
1
: the action of progressing or moving forward
2
: a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)
3
: a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other

More from Merriam-Webster on progression

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