progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce progression (audio)
Synonyms of progressionnext
1
: a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law
2
a
: the action or process of progressing : advance
b
: a continuous and connected series : sequence
3
a
: succession of musical tones or chords
b
: the movement of musical parts in harmony
c
: sequence sense 2c
progressional
prə-ˈgresh-nəl How to pronounce progression (audio)
-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Synonyms of progression

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Examples of progression in a Sentence

Doctors were surprised by the rapid progression of the disease. the natural progression of his musical talent
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even with an over route that, under very few scenarios becomes part of the progression, Moore should have stayed full throttle and recognized the leverage in the secondary to flatten his route. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 This does not tell us whether Sandi can track disease progression, or whether Sandi can reliably detect changes caused by a treatment. — Claudia Metzler-Baddeley, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2026 Kisunla is designed to help slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s by targeting the brain to break up and remove amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of the disease. — Lauren Pastrana, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 The 20-year-old has shown poise in the pocket, patience when going through progressions and ability to throw to receivers open anywhere on the field. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for progression

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of progression was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing progression

Rhymes for progression

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Browse Nearby Words

progress clerk
progression
progressional
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Cite this Entry

“Progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progression. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

progression

noun
pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce progression (audio)
1
: the action of progressing or moving forward
2
: a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)
3
: a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other
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