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Synonyms

gradually

American  
[graj-oo-uh-lee] / ˈgrædʒ u ə li /

adverb

  1. by small degrees or little by little.

    The hurricane moved northwestward to northward for two days, gradually weakened to a depression, and then turned eastward.

    Over the following decades, the curriculum was gradually expanded, with additional offerings in history, government, languages, geology, and geography.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of gradually

gradual ( def. ) + -ly

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.

See Examples For:

If he’s sidelined for too long, he could have to gradually build up with each start.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 22, 2026

XS.com’s Antonio Di Giacomo expects gold prices to increase gradually from a technical perspective, as long as it maintains above $4,000 a troy ounce, with $4,100 as the immediate resistance level.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 22, 2026

The young prince has been gradually introduced to a public role, including going with Prince William to help at a charity for the homeless at Christmas.

From BBC Jul. 22, 2026

"Emissions are gradually falling but progress stalled in 2024, and current policy settings are not delivering at the pace needed," Hendy said.

From Barron's Jul. 22, 2026

As the pain gradually subsided Jack pushed himself to his feet and stared angrily at the offending wall.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

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