as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
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Recent Examples of gradual
Sea-Intelligence modeled the European import surge under different scenarios, ranging from an instantaneous switch back to the Suez by all shipping lines, to a more gradual phase-in over two, four or six weeks.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Trump’s substantial and widespread tariffs are having an effect on overall inflation, but instead of a surge, the pass-through to consumers has been ongoing, gradual and uneven (for a multitude of reasons).
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In anticipation of the second phase of Pure Water coming online in 2035, the water authority’s financial plan calls for ramping up wholesale rates throughout the 2030s to make the hit on water affordability more gradual.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
Sarcopenia Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance that can happen with age.
—Devineé Lingo, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Trump’s substantial and widespread tariffs are having an effect on overall inflation, but instead of a surge, the pass-through to consumers has been ongoing, gradual and uneven (for a multitude of reasons).
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In anticipation of the second phase of Pure Water coming online in 2035, the water authority’s financial plan calls for ramping up wholesale rates throughout the 2030s to make the hit on water affordability more gradual.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
Sarcopenia Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance that can happen with age.
—Devineé Lingo, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
-
Dozens of city meetings hashed out annexations, zoning, a development agreement and $458 million in tax incremental financing with a separate operator company.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
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By steadily aligning with market shifts and making incremental improvements, teams maintain constant momentum and can adjust to insights and advances in real time.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s grandiose peace plan still ended up phased and conditional – granting the Israeli leader political leeway with his hardline coalition.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
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The plan calls for $19 million in phased infrastructure projects within five years.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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