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

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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 Still, the underlying assumption – or, at least, the hope – behind the tripartite framework is that by creating a gradual process, and demonstrating that each small step forward can work, both sides will have an interest in going further. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who led the effort, had reached a compromise to allow for a gradual phase-in for amusement parks, hotels and major event centers like Petco Park. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 South of Portland, the Coast Starlight travels through Oregon’s Willamette Valley—where farmland, vineyards, and wide-open fields extend toward the horizon—before the train begins a gradual climb toward the Cascade Range. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

But thanks to recent incremental licensing changes — and the determination of a few entrepreneurs — the city’s wine scene has slowly matured.

— Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
The expectation is not incremental productivity gains, but measurable impact.

— Sanjay Dhawan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of incremental

Adjective

The start-up plans a phased approach to realizing humanoid robots for the home, Guo told CNBC in an interview earlier this year.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
The deal envisions Lebanese army control over phased Israeli pullback zones and tighter limits on foreign funding for armed groups.

— Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

Definition of phased

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grading

gradual

gradually

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“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gradual

adjective

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