GRADUALLY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

gradually

adverb

Definition of gradually

as in slowly

by small steps or amounts gradually worked his way down the class roster add the sugar to the beaten egg whites gradually to make the meringue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 gradually Tracking displacement is different, as a user gradually pulling back from their human relationships may show few, if any, signs of distress. — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 Since returning to the Vatican, Leo has gradually resumed his activities while adjusting his schedule to prioritize recovery and periods of rest, the statement said. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Even the climbing-vine wallpaper is yellowed, as if gradually discolored by the cigarettes of a thousand ancient Sundays. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 On October 16, Congress promulgated a constitutional amendment ending Brazil’s traditional six-day workweek, gradually reducing the maximum workweek without cutting pay. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 This creates drag, which gradually removes orbital energy and lowers their altitude. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 One of Eisenkot’s proposals is to gradually wean Israel off American military assistance. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 His daughter gradually took over supervising much of the team's management and became CEO in August 1998 after her father was elected commissioner. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Founded by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros, and Romée de Gorianoff, who were later joined by Xavier Padovani, the Experimental Group gradually expanded to encompass wine bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradually

Adverb

For a century, that was enough to satisfy a slowly growing demand.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Sunshine will continue, although some passing high clouds are possible as the upper-level pattern begins slowly evolving.

— Michael Autovino, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of slowly

Adverb

As agents accumulate conversation history, retrieved documents, memory, system instructions, tool definitions and execution state, interactions can progressively become larger and more expensive.

— Pritam Debnath, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Abrams does yeoman’s work with a character stuck in a tight spot for most of the running time, constantly grunting and gasping with a mixture of anguish and exhaustion as his body gets progressively more beat up and broken.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressively

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gradual

gradually

graduate

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“Gradually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradually. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gradually

adverb

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