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
Severin Borenstein, The Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2024
The fact that the drop-off in sales has been so gradual is yet further evidence that the band is reaching new fans.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
And though the strikes have been over for five months, the return to work has been gradual.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Syu-Heng Lai said Taiwan’s progress on earthquake safety was gradual and required public education, as well as trust in government and faith in scientists.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
That journey is gradual: At first, Faustine is seen donning a black and a blue scarf on her head, but no other clothes to cover the rest of her body, in photos taken outside Brooklyn Borough Hall and a playground in Chinatown.
—Briana Ellis-Gibbs, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
The country’s major car companies have grudgingly accepted the new regulations, after winning some concessions from the administration, in the form of a more gradual compliance schedule that pushes back the most stringent requirements until after 2030.
—Jack Ewing, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
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
Adjective
To put this in perspective, from 2014 to 2019, when electricity rate increases were much more gradual, the residential solar business in California had grown at a 14% annual average.
—Severin Borenstein, The Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2024
The fact that the drop-off in sales has been so gradual is yet further evidence that the band is reaching new fans.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
And though the strikes have been over for five months, the return to work has been gradual.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
Syu-Heng Lai said Taiwan’s progress on earthquake safety was gradual and required public education, as well as trust in government and faith in scientists.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2024
That journey is gradual: At first, Faustine is seen donning a black and a blue scarf on her head, but no other clothes to cover the rest of her body, in photos taken outside Brooklyn Borough Hall and a playground in Chinatown.
—Briana Ellis-Gibbs, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
The country’s major car companies have grudgingly accepted the new regulations, after winning some concessions from the administration, in the form of a more gradual compliance schedule that pushes back the most stringent requirements until after 2030.
—Jack Ewing, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024
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
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 2 May. 2024.
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