1
as in to subside
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the sound of sirens receded as the fire engines roared off into the distance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
after the rain stops, the floodwaters should gradually recede
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of recede
Analysts also say ship captains may take their time to decide whether passage is safe and that the threat of attack from Iran has truly receded.
—
David McHugh,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Brantley argues that this history challenges the conventional view of the decade as a period when leftist activism receded and conservative politics prevailed.
—
H.m.a. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2026
On June 6, a man with a slightly receding hairline walked into a beachside tattoo stand in Chennai, India, showed the proprietor a message on a phone screen, and, with video recording the whole process, settled in to get a line of text apparently tattooed across his forehead.
—
T.m. Brown,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Good habits on offense receded, and the Knicks found their rhythm.
—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for recede
David McHugh,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Brantley argues that this history challenges the conventional view of the decade as a period when leftist activism receded and conservative politics prevailed.
—
H.m.a. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2026
On June 6, a man with a slightly receding hairline walked into a beachside tattoo stand in Chennai, India, showed the proprietor a message on a phone screen, and, with video recording the whole process, settled in to get a line of text apparently tattooed across his forehead.
—
T.m. Brown,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Good habits on offense receded, and the Knicks found their rhythm.
—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for recede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede
Verb
-
Shinnecock Hills did its part, even after the strongest wind subsided.
-
While the most intense combat has subsided, Israeli forces have continued launching airstrikes and opening fire on Palestinians, leaving more than 1,000 people dead since the ceasefire began in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Verb
-
The ceasefire in the MOU extends to a halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, requiring Israel to withdraw from Lebanon under a final deal that Trump hopes to reach within 60 days.
-
Garcia said some students have disengaged from campus life or withdrawn from classes altogether.
Verb
-
The weight that was added to the structure over its lifetime diminished the building’s margins against failure, the report said.
-
Louden points out that sometimes an English word strengthens and diversifies the Pennsylvania Dutch lexicon rather than diminishes it.
Verb
-
The officer retreated and fired several shots, killing the dog and injuring its owner, who was trying to secure the animal, police said.
-
But retreating indoors can come at a cost.
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
-
Yet burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced motivation, sleep problems, and decreased enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities.
Verb
-
Anguay succeeds Paul Lau, a 45-year veteran of the utility who in January announced his intention to retire.
-
Lord retired the first two batters in the ninth before Turner singled and Marsh homered to right.
Verb
-
Zafar Mawani and Guillermo Ortiz vanished on May 20 after reportedly leaving their home near Mexico City to buy a chair lift for Mawani's ailing mother.
-
By detecting these gamma rays, astronomers can trace the lingering remnants of ancient supernovae long after the original stars have vanished.
Verb
-
Scheffler, who fell nine shots behind with a pair of bogeys at the start, shot 32 on the back nine by chipping in from 65 feet on the 14th for the start of three straight birdies.
-
Overall homicides in the United States have fallen for four consecutive years, according to FBI data analyzed by the Washington Post.
Cite this Entry
“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recede. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
