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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.

Many corrective phases unfold gradually, over time rather than immediately in price.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The Goldman Sachs note published Monday reasserted its belief in the inflation-hedging/ safe-haven allure of gold that Thomas thinks will gradually reassert itself.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Improving execution in certain businesses should gradually support earnings visibility and help narrow the valuation gap.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Even if the market hasn’t crashed, this multi-week decline shows persistent selling pressure, not just a one-time shock, as investors gradually de-risk rather than panicking all at once.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

And gradually it dawned on all of us that this endearing man was at the Beje to stay.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.