GRADUAL Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl

Definition of gradual

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 These conditions can cause a sudden kidney injury or gradual damage that can progress to CKD. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026 Japan has also raised concern over China's gradual escalation of its military activity around remote Japanese islands in the Pacific Ocean. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 But doctors and therapists who treat drug and behavioral addictions have been steadily shifting away from sobriety to emphasize gradual progress and a reduction of harm instead. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 East-southeast winds will remain light, helping keep the warming trend gradual. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

For readers watching household budgets, the math favors incremental change.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Peacock’s maiden second-quarter profit was lifted by FIFA World Cup games, which contributed $440 million in incremental media revenues.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of incremental

Adjective

Compounding the challenge, the museum hosts millions of visitors annually, requiring all restoration work to proceed in phased stages while keeping the venue operational.

— , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
The company had submitted the exemption request on December 31, 2025, as part of the first phase of its phased Construction Permit Application.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of phased

Browse Nearby Words

grading

gradual

gradually

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“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gradual

adjective

Example Sentences

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