gradualism
noun
grad·​u·​al·​ism
| \ ˈgra-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm
, -jÉ™-ËŒli-\
, -jÉ™-ËŒli-\
Definition of gradualism
1
: the policy of approaching a desired end by gradual stages
2
: the evolution of new species by gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time
also
: a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this — compare punctuated equilibrium
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Other Words from gradualism
gradualist
\ ˈgra-​jə-​wə-​list
, -​jə-​list \
noun or adjective
, -​jə-​list \
noun or adjective
gradualistic
\ ˌgra-​jə(-​wə)-​ˈli-​stik
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of gradualism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Burke’s focus on the social character of man, from Burke’s thoroughgoing gradualism, and from his innovative liberal alternative to Enlightenment radicalism. — Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, "The Right Liberalism," 11 July 2019 Waymo's solution to the safety-verification problem has been extreme gradualism. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Intel’s Mobileye wants to dominate driverless cars—but there’s a problem," 21 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gradualism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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