recede

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

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 Yet as Kennedy’s attacks on dairy regulation illustrate, the memory of the infant mortality crisis has receded too far into the past. Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 Inflation has receded, Roberts said, and as a result, people are adjusting their outlook. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2025 Opt for black An all-black retaining wall recedes into the background, yet looks striking. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 Instruments and voices appear to move, drawing near and receding, revealing new details of everything from arrangements to the singer taking a breath. Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede
Verb
  • That fear subsided after the war became bogged down in Ukraine’s east.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
  • Lisa Wins, But Sincerity Takes the Crown When the eyeliner dries and the laughter subsides, Lisa Gilroy emerges as the episode’s victor.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Martin withdrew from consideration for the post that requires Senate confirmation and Trump named him to a Justice Department post instead.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Fisher Scientific withdrew its full-year profit forecast while the medical equipment maker expects to take a $400 million hit in sales to China, as Trump’s tariffs would likely raise the cost of parts the company sources in China.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
  • Consider this: if users can readily obtain answers from their iPhone's lock screen or through Siri without needing to open a browser, Google's role in the information access process diminishes significantly.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The Continental Army retreated from Montreal and its environs in June 1776, after British reinforcements from the north began recapturing the province.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • After the trial ended, in which Heard was originally ordered to pay Depp $15 million, the actress largely retreated from the public eye, moving away from her home in California to Spain with her daughter, Oonagh, in search of privacy.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The four-seamer might be decreasing in usage, and the worst single pitch in the game - but the great ones have great ones.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • These vehicles, when used strategically, allow children to retire as multi-millionaires.
    Chris Carosa, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter retired after the season and was replaced by tight ends coach Nate Potter.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The remains of a Connecticut woman who vanished while hiking in Japan over two years ago have been identified, her family said Saturday.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • Without continued protection of their habitat, the zoo’s population models predict this iconic species will vanish within the lifetime of a child born today.
    Megan Ross, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Without employer pensions or consistent guidance, more of the retirement burden falls squarely on individuals.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • Bonds fell too, with the 10-year yield rising 3 basis points to 6.38%, though further declines were limited by debt purchases by the monetary authority.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recede. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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