gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl How to pronounce gradual (audio)
-jəl,
ˈgraj-wəl
1
: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
2
: proceeding by steps or degrees
gradually adverb
gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

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

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
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Adjective
However, the moon's gradual dimming won't be noticeable until around 1:09 a.m. on Friday. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025 But where once there was gradual progress, there’s now the chance to take a giant leap forward. Lisa Caldwell, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 At the time of the ceasefire, which includes the gradual release of hostages in return for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the Houthis announced a cessation of the attacks. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025 The composer asks for a gradual crescendo, which most pianists interpret as a stepwise intensification of the big chords, with the low notes following suit. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective
grad·​u·​al
ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,
ˈgraj-əl
1
: proceeding by steps or degrees
2
: moving or changing by slight degrees
gradually adverb
gradualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gradual

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