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 But since 2010, the glacier has receded over half a mile, and that same loop gets you a distant photograph. Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 The death toll rose as thousands of soldiers scoured the destruction left in the wake of the receding waters, clearing roads blocked with trees and cars to rescue the missing. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 After their deaths, the headlines receded. Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 His receding hairline could no longer be disguised with styling products, and even his partner noticed how much the hair loss was accelerating. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede
Verb
  • By day 10, my entire nervous system was hijacked—every fiber of my being was at ease, and all cravings subsided.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Their base case assumes that recovery will resume once uncertainty subsides.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hamas fired towards Israeli forces beyond the Yellow Line – the line behind which Israeli troops have withdrawn according to the ceasefire deal – in three separate incidents on Sunday, according to another military official.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Afghanistan withdrew from a Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan following the deaths of three local cricketers, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board attributed to military strikes in Paktika province.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lady Annabel wore her privilege lightly, and in later years retreated to her home in Richmond, just outside London, enjoying her children, grandchildren and dogs away from the spotlight.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Following the release of his 1996 solo project Euphoria, Vincent retreated from public life.
    Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Raducanu had her blood pressure taken during the match, which was played in oppressive heat and humidity, before retiring down 6-1, 4-1.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Delbarton publicly acknowledged in 2018 that at least 30 men had come forward with allegations that, over three decades, 13 past or current priests and monks at the school had victimized them — in addition to a lay faculty member who is now retired.
    Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Defense Secretary, meanwhile, vanishes into a personal fog, thinking only of his daughter (Kaitlyn Dever), who lives in Chicago.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But the vast majority of those jobs have since vanished.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On a shotgun snap, a handoff slipped out of Bo Nix’s hands, the quarterback falling on it for a loss of four.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Our 10 favorite Amazon fall fashion staples start at just $10 right now.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recede. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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