recede

1 of 2

verb (1)

re·​cede ri-ˈsēd 

receded; receding

intransitive verb

1

a

: to move back or away : withdraw

a receding hairline

b

: to slant backward

2

: to grow less or smaller : diminish, decrease

a receding deficit

recede

2 of 2

verb (2)

re·​cede (ˌ)rē-ˈsēd 

receded; receding; recedes

transitive verb

: to cede back to a former possessor

Synonyms of recede

Verb (1)

• subside
• diminish
• decrease
• vanish
• fall

Choose the Right Synonym for recede

recede, retreat, retract, back mean to move backward.

recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

Examples of recede in a Sentence

Verb (1)

the sound of sirens receded as the fire engines roared off into the distance

after the rain stops, the floodwaters should gradually recede

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As the water receded into the Linden Creek, a mess was left behind. —Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Once the expiry passes, the forces suppressing volatility will recede — leaving macroeconomics and geopolitics firmly back in control. —Sidhartha Shukla, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

Or more accurately, receding, like a hairline. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

North Shore Oahu residents who did not evacuate were heartened in the morning by receding waters and moments of blue skies, but more rain was on the way. —Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Latin recedere to go back, from re- + cedere to go

Verb (2)

re- + cede

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recede

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• flaxseed
• impede

Kids Definition

recede

verb

re·​cede

ri-ˈsēd

receded; receding

1

a

: to move back or away

the flood waters receded

b

: to slant backward

a receding forehead

2

: to grow less or smaller

a receding debt