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
But futures markets expect the Fed to slow the pace of cuts next year because of a more gradual inflation drop-off, and President-elect Donald Trump’s promised new tariffs and immigration crackdowns, which are likely to constrain the labor supply and push up wage growth.
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Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Friday: Mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 34.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
Where possible, Washington should leverage engagement—including the gradual easing of sanctions—to encourage improvements in human rights and political freedoms.
—Francisco Rodríguez, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2024
In China, persistent deflationary risks are driving a reliance on digital platforms and government support, while Japan’s gradual economic recovery is mirrored in its steady structural reforms in the arts.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradual 
Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Friday: Mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 34.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024
Where possible, Washington should leverage engagement—including the gradual easing of sanctions—to encourage improvements in human rights and political freedoms.
—Francisco Rodríguez, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2024
In China, persistent deflationary risks are driving a reliance on digital platforms and government support, while Japan’s gradual economic recovery is mirrored in its steady structural reforms in the arts.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradual
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Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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