Find Antonyms

gradually Antonyms

Opposite of gradually

Pinning down the opposite of gradually requires matching its exact sense, so the antonyms and opposite words below are paired with a clear adverb definition and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

In a gradual way; slowly; by degrees or small steps over a period of time.

Usage Example

"As spring approached, the days suddenly grew longer and warmer."

Strongest
suddenly
abruptly
all at once
all of a sudden
instantly
Strong
immediately
precipitously
rapidly
overnight

Similar words to gradually

Words similar to gradually shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

step by step
little by little
bit by bit
by degrees
slowly
progressively
incrementally
inch by inch
See all synonyms of gradually

• Nearby Words

gradient
grading
gradual
gradually
graduate
graduated
graduation

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Gradually. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/gradually
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