incrementalism

noun

in·​cre·​men·​tal·​ism ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce incrementalism (audio)
: a policy or advocacy of a policy of political or social change by degrees : gradualism
incrementalist
ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tə-list How to pronounce incrementalism (audio)
noun

Examples of incrementalism in a Sentence

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.
This incrementalism is not a retreat from the initial goal but rather realism. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025 Instead, we are asked to accept incrementalism. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 India emerges as an example of the downside of tiller reforms’ incrementalism. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 For most people, Starmerism is incrementalism leading nowhere in particular—a program that is nowhere near adequate to confront Britain’s economic stagnation or its political splintering. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for incrementalism

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incrementalism was in 1966

Rhymes for incrementalism

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Browse Nearby Words

incremental
incrementalism
incremental repetition
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Cite this Entry

“Incrementalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incrementalism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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