grad·u·al
ˈgra-jə-wəl 
-jəl,
ˈgraj-wəl
1
: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
2
: proceeding by steps or degrees
gradually
adverb
gradualness
noun
often capitalized
1
: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass
2
: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass
Synonyms
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
Matthew Farrer, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2024
The Panther’s road to Georgetown Pace became the head coach of Heritage girls soccer in 2015, and the program has made gradual steps toward becoming an area powerhouse.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024
The show’s emphasis is on outstanding natural beauty, the slow dance of cross-cultural romance and gradual enlightenment.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
That is what led to a gradual migration away from CSMA/CD over coax to the now ubiquitous copper and fiber links between individual computers and a dedicated switch port.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Apr. 2024
Similar temperatures are forecast for Sunday before a gradual warming trend brings 80-degree temperatures to the area.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024
Observational evidence for a gradual decline of dark energy would be a boon for the gentle-fall scenario.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
While Americans in all age groups favor nondiscrimination laws, the PRRI findings indicate a gradual decline in support among Americans aged 18-29.
—Nicole Chavez, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024
Another underappreciated opportunity arises simply from the gradual maturation of the nascent streaming industry.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024
Adjective
People with Parkinson’s disease experience a gradual loss in their ability to perform daily activities.
—Matthew Farrer, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2024
The Panther’s road to Georgetown Pace became the head coach of Heritage girls soccer in 2015, and the program has made gradual steps toward becoming an area powerhouse.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024
The show’s emphasis is on outstanding natural beauty, the slow dance of cross-cultural romance and gradual enlightenment.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
That is what led to a gradual migration away from CSMA/CD over coax to the now ubiquitous copper and fiber links between individual computers and a dedicated switch port.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Apr. 2024
Similar temperatures are forecast for Sunday before a gradual warming trend brings 80-degree temperatures to the area.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024
Observational evidence for a gradual decline of dark energy would be a boon for the gentle-fall scenario.
—Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
While Americans in all age groups favor nondiscrimination laws, the PRRI findings indicate a gradual decline in support among Americans aged 18-29.
—Nicole Chavez, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024
Another underappreciated opportunity arises simply from the gradual maturation of the nascent streaming industry.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gradual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near gradual
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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