The word gradual refers to a process that takes place gradually, without any sudden change. It is often used to describe something that happens slowly but steadily over a period of time. There are several synonyms for gradual, including slow, steady, progressive, incremental, and gradualist. These words all suggest a process that develops gradually over time. Other synonyms for gradual include moderate, measured, and restrained, which suggests a gradual increase or change without any sudden or drastic impact. However, it is essential to use the right synonym for the context and meaning of the sentence for better clarity.