as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
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 gradual
However, the end of the work week’s forecast will see a gradual warming, with a high of 67 degrees on Thursday before reaching the mid-70s on Friday.
—
Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
As long as the area doesn't experience a rapid spike in temperatures or a short-duration heavy rain event, the Upper Ohio Valley will experience gradual snow melt, with any river flooding concerns attributed to ice jams.
—Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
One group showed a slower, more gradual pattern of structural decline, while the other experienced more rapid neurodegeneration, reinforcing the idea that MS may not unfold along a single biological clock.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
After leaving the mountains in the rearview, the Pennsylvanian begins its gradual descent into the valleys of western Pennsylvania.
—Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
As long as the area doesn't experience a rapid spike in temperatures or a short-duration heavy rain event, the Upper Ohio Valley will experience gradual snow melt, with any river flooding concerns attributed to ice jams.
—Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
One group showed a slower, more gradual pattern of structural decline, while the other experienced more rapid neurodegeneration, reinforcing the idea that MS may not unfold along a single biological clock.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
After leaving the mountains in the rearview, the Pennsylvanian begins its gradual descent into the valleys of western Pennsylvania.
—Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
-
Whether the state ultimately passes a version of Senate Bill 2 or takes a more incremental approach, any framework must include provisions for workforce development — not just rules about what companies cannot do, but investments in what workers can become.—
Kevin J. Conlan,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
-
By emphasizing ongoing access to information, the system helps guide incremental adjustments over time.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Construction, which will include an exterior remodeling, is expected to begin later this year with phased openings, including additional retail, dining and wellness concepts, in 2028.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Northwood, based in southern California, makes phased array antennas, mobile ground infrastructure that increases satellites’ connectivity to Earth.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
