The term 'withdraw gradually' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'WEAN' and 'RECEDE'. Weaning is the process of gradually introducing a baby to solid food while reducing its dependence on breast milk or formula. RECEDE, on the other hand, means to move back or retreat, often in reference to a body of water such as a river or ocean. Together, these two words describe the idea of withdrawing gradually.