1. a person who believes in or advocates gradual change or reform rather than sudden or revolutionary change
Usage: often used in political or social contexts

1. relating to or characteristic of gradualism; favoring gradual change or development
Usage: often used in political, social, or evolutionary contexts

Examples

• The gradualist approach to education reform emphasizes steady improvements over many years.
• She identified as a gradualist, believing that social change happens best through small, consistent steps.
• Gradualist policies aim to reduce carbon emissions incrementally rather than through sudden restrictions.
• The party's gradualist wing opposed the radical faction's demands for immediate action.
• Many gradualists argue that lasting change requires patience and careful planning.
• His gradualist philosophy rejected both extreme conservatism and revolutionary ideology.