Definition of incrementalnext
1
as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees the incremental evolution of the collection from a specialized gallery into a comprehensive art museum

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2
as in cumulative
produced by a series of additions of identical or similar things the incremental total for my collection of baseball cards

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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 incremental This change has fundamentally revolutionized the pace of innovation—shifting us away from incremental advances and toward more rapid, system-level transformations across science and engineering. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026 Digital advertising may be among the strongest winners, generating and estimate of roughly $5 billion in incremental global advertising spending, with 73% flowing through digital channels. Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 14 June 2026 Slow and steady The most successful transformations look less like detonations and more like construction projects—unglamorous, incremental, and mapped out well in advance. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 12 June 2026 In a recent study, SoFi, a digital financial services company, said each host city will see between $160 million and $620 million in incremental economic activity. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incremental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incremental
Adjective
  • The deal focused overwhelmingly on constraining Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for gradual sanctions relief.
    Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • The developments mark the latest in a series of back-and-forth strikes centered around the strait, casting uncertainty over the US-Iran agreement signed earlier this month which stipulates the gradual restoration of normal marine traffic.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The median cumulative earnings for UC graduates over a 20-year period amounts to more than $2 million, data from 2024 shows.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Keeping headphone volume below 60 percent of maximum, taking listening breaks and wearing ear protection at concerts or loud job sites all reduce cumulative damage over time.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Incremental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incremental. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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