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
Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 June 2024
There is also the possibility of more gradual evolution.
—Joshua Hunt, New York Times, 12 June 2024
Marine heat waves leave fisheries in trouble Rising ocean temperatures are also affecting marine life through extreme events, known as marine heat waves, and more gradual long-term shifts in temperature.
—Charles Colgan, The Conversation, 10 June 2024
The report pointed out that the data aren’t signaling an era of job losses, but instead a period of more gradual gains.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradual 
Adjective
The smaller and more gradual downward slope that starts around 2013 or 2014 represents the start of the Apple Silicon transition.
—Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 June 2024
There is also the possibility of more gradual evolution.
—Joshua Hunt, New York Times, 12 June 2024
Marine heat waves leave fisheries in trouble Rising ocean temperatures are also affecting marine life through extreme events, known as marine heat waves, and more gradual long-term shifts in temperature.
—Charles Colgan, The Conversation, 10 June 2024
The report pointed out that the data aren’t signaling an era of job losses, but instead a period of more gradual gains.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradual
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 7 Jul. 2024.
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