Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for gradually. Search instead for graduallieder.
Definitions

gradually

[graj-oo-uh-lee] / ˈgrædʒ u ə li /
ADVERB
happening slowly, evenly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constantly continuously deliberately gently increasingly moderately progressively regularly steadily
WEAK
bit by bit by degrees by installments imperceptibly in small doses inch by inch little by little perceptibly piece by piece piecemeal sequentially serially step by step successively unhurriedly
Antonyms
WEAK
abruptly fastly intermittently suddenly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While universities have long had a duty to uphold freedom of speech, these stronger powers were initially proposed under the last Conservative government and are now gradually being introduced in an amended form.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

These systems often begin with stars far apart, but interactions with surrounding gas gradually draw them closer over tens of millions of years.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

As the sponge is used, small pieces of the foam gradually wear away.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Deutsche Lufthansa LHA -1.23%decrease; red down pointing triangle will gradually cut capacity and ground inefficient aircraft to tackle extra costs derived from the Iran war and the impact of strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

It had compressed, gradually squashing into a smaller space.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland