RECEDE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'recede' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of recede are back , retract , and retreat . While all these words 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

Q: In what contexts can 'back' take the place of 'recede'?

The meanings of back and recede largely overlap; however, back is used with up, down, out , or off to refer to any retrograde motion. // backed off on the throttle

Q: When could 'retract' be used to replace 'recede'?

In some situations, the words retract and recede are roughly equivalent. However, retract implies drawing back from an extended position. // a cat retracting its claws

Q: When would 'retreat' be a good substitute for 'recede'?

While the synonyms retreat and recede are close in meaning, retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached. // retreating soldiers

recede

verb

ri-ˈsēd

Definition of recede next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb recede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of recede are back, retract, and retreat. While all these words 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

In what contexts can back take the place of recede?

The meanings of back and recede largely overlap; however, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When could retract be used to replace recede?

In some situations, the words retract and recede are roughly equivalent. However, retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

When would retreat be a good substitute for recede?

While the synonyms retreat and recede are close in meaning, retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of recede To her surprise, her joint pain, fatigue, and swelling all slowly receded. —

Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026 The mini downturn inevitably sparked concerns among the fanbase over whether Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League were receding. —

Simon Johnson, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Gang violence, like other violent crime, has receded from the post-pandemic spike citywide and is significantly lower than during the turf wars of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. —

Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 At one point, most of the small rural village was flooded, but the waters have receded, according to the sheriff’s office. —

Jennifer Edwards Baker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede

Verb

Winds were predicted to subside in the evening hours on Saturday before picking back up on Sunday morning, albeit at lower speeds than Saturday morning.

— Austin Turner, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
The settling of chairs subsided, people shifted into comfortable postures, some laid out on the carpet.

— Sofia Zarran, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026