as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon
the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gradient
The original Östereichring was a spectacular thing, with steep gradients, long straights, and high-speed curves, surrounded by views of the Styrian mountains.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
29 June 2026
Schiavo said the Federal Railroad Administration issues national standards on train crossing gradients.
—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
Inspired by the fan-favorite drink, this dreamy aura design blends soft gradients with a vibrant pop of jellyfish candy red for a look that's almost good enough to eat.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Deep atmospheric mixing of wind energy aloft and a tight pressure gradient will result in strong sustained winds between 20 mph to 30 mph.
—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
29 June 2026
Schiavo said the Federal Railroad Administration issues national standards on train crossing gradients.
—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2026
Inspired by the fan-favorite drink, this dreamy aura design blends soft gradients with a vibrant pop of jellyfish candy red for a look that's almost good enough to eat.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Deep atmospheric mixing of wind energy aloft and a tight pressure gradient will result in strong sustained winds between 20 mph to 30 mph.
—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
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Several hours later, rescuers carried the injured on stretchers and recovered the dead in makeshift carts, painstakingly hauling them back up the rugged slope, official Noor Zaman said.
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This hard-working plant tolerates heat, drought, salt, and humidity, and provides good soil stabilization on slopes.
Noun
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Spiritual progress requires fighting against the natural downward inclination of our souls—though fighting, oddly, is also the problem.
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Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.
Noun
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The riverfront includes steep inclines, large rocks and uneven ground that can be difficult for workers or machinery to manage safely.
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Temperatures will be on the incline, reaching into the 90s by lunchtime and the upper 90s by the late afternoon.
Cite this Entry
“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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