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Definition of gradation : 1. A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
2. A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
3. Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
4. The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of castes.
5. The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
6. To form with gradations.

Synonyms:

measure, level, commencement exercise, imperial, installment, tier, form, geocentric, mark, hue, big, calibration, footmark, metric, class, grad, step, commencement ceremony, score, colors, footstep, factor, shade, stride, dance step, the middle, instalment, ablaut, graduation, graduation exercise, stone's throw, pace, nuance, tint, commencement, lowlights, episode, tinge, whole step, tone, stage, course, whole tone, grade, ground level, degree, footfall, scale, low point, juncture, absolute, footprint, metrication, stair

Usage examples:

• In both of these departments, however, the methods which Nature employs in guiding to the practical application of the pupil's knowledge are precisely the same, consisting of a regular gradation of three distinct steps, or stages. - "A Practical Enquiry into the Philosophy of Education", James Gall.
• Fairies have planted blue asters and goldenrod and sumach in borders, studying every gradation of colour, and while the flowers lie under the spell of the sun they become magic jewels, because the seeds were brought from Fairyland. - "The Lightning Conductor Discovers America", C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson and A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson.
• From his height he looks forth, takes in the effect with his sweeping vision, possesses himself of the gradation of its tone; then, stooping nearer, he seizes the detail that renders it. - "The Craft of Fiction", Percy Lubbock.