gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·u·al ˈgra-jə-wəl

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

Synonyms of gradual

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

a gradual change in temperature

: proceeding by steps or degrees

a gradual climb to the top

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

variants often Gradual

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms of gradual

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Adjective

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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

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.

Adjective

The core message is to allow a gradual re-entry, not expecting peak productivity immediately after time off. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Even a gradual acceleration would reveal many such gaps and give society less time to close them. — Harry Booth, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 That gradual progression amid a player-like concussion protocol is what Shanahan aimed to achieve. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 Hamas sees the disarmament process as a parallel one to Israel’s gradual withdrawal from the entire Gaza Strip; Netanyahu has stated that there will be no withdrawal from Gaza before Hamas’ full and complete disarmament. — Mkhaimar Abusada, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of gradual was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·u·al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

: proceeding by steps or degrees

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

adjective

noun

Synonyms of gradual

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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