gradual

1 of 3

adjective

grad·u·al ˈgra-jə-wəl

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

Synonyms of gradual

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

a gradual change in temperature

: proceeding by steps or degrees

a gradual climb to the top

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 3

noun (1)

variants often Gradual

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

gradualness

3 of 3

noun (2)

grad·u·al·ness

-lnə̇s

plural -es

: graduality

Synonyms of gradual

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Adjective

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Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective We noticed a gradual change in temperature. The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

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.

Adjective

Rudnitzky said historical developments, the impact of the Oslo Accords and the entry of new Arab representatives into the Knesset contributed to a gradual shift away from Jewish parties, with more Arab voters turning to Arab parties. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 This gradual, wordy, tedious approach is all a huge buildup for the first appearance of Napoleon. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 Except people are very good at ignoring problems that feel distant, gradual, or politically loaded. — Jake Rozmaryn, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 McKee did find rookie Makai Lemon throughout the night and picked apart the secondary at times, but there is gradual improvement showing out of the unit. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of gradual was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·u·al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

: proceeding by steps or degrees

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

adjective

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of gradual

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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