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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of gradient
Elsewhere onboard, the concept offers up a sleek reception and lobby space filled with more curved silhouettes, complete with a bar, a gradient screen, and a service table and seating.
—
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
The trend is more of a downward slope than an abrupt falloff, but the gradient is steep and represents a crisis to colleges dependent on filling classroom seats and dorm beds.
—Jeffrey Selingo, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026
Earlier in the week, those systems created a pressure gradient that increased wind speeds.
—Troy Bridges, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
The very act of extracting energy from those gradients and feeding off of it, in some variety, is what fuels all biological processes at their core.
—Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
The trend is more of a downward slope than an abrupt falloff, but the gradient is steep and represents a crisis to colleges dependent on filling classroom seats and dorm beds.
—Jeffrey Selingo, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026
Earlier in the week, those systems created a pressure gradient that increased wind speeds.
—Troy Bridges, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
The very act of extracting energy from those gradients and feeding off of it, in some variety, is what fuels all biological processes at their core.
—Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
-
All sorts of variables are logged if available — altitude, lie, slope.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 57, or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, are both often mentioned as possible firm hands who could steer the party, though neither has shown much inclination to enter the fray this time round.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
-
My inclination would be to say probably not.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Be prepared for a few steep inclines (and, unfortunately, background traffic noise from a nearby road).—
Robert Annis,
Midwest Living,
16 May 2026
-
As Meernik explained, participants began by walking on a treadmill that gradually increased in incline and speed, and kept going until continuing became unsafe or too hard.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
