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Synonyms

sequential

American  
[si-kwen-shuhl] / sɪˈkwɛn ʃəl /

adjective

  1. characterized by regular sequence of parts.

  2. following; subsequent; consequent.

  3. Business. by comparison with the immediately preceding period, usually a fiscal quarter.

    a sequential increase in gross profit.


sequential British  
/ sɪˈkwɛnʃəl, sɪˌkwɛnʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. characterized by or having a regular sequence

  2. another word for sequent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of sequential

First recorded in 1815–25; sequent + -ial

Explanation

Use the word sequential to describe something that has a particular order, like a recipe for chocolate chip cookies whose steps must be followed in a sequential order. If you make a list of things you need to do, starting with number 1 and continuing until all your tasks are accounted for, then you’ve made a sequential list. Something that is sequential often follows a numerical or alphabetical order, but it can also describe things that aren’t numbered but still need to take place in a logical order, such as the sequential steps you follow for running a program on your computer.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing sequential

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.

“We do not expect the release to materially improve market sentiment given the pause in sequential topline acceleration,” they said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

That’s up more than 20% on a sequential basis.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

"We do this in a sequential way, and at each position, we acquire a diffraction pattern," Zhu explains.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

ON Semi forecast second quarter profit of 65 cents to 77 cents a share and revenue of $1.54 billion to $1.64 billion, citing strong demand and 30% sequential AI growth.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

The question of how sequential genetic circuits can “actualize” the development of an organism is addressed in a subsequent chapter.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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