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 In severe periodontitis cases, the gums recede below the gumline, exposing the roots of the teeth.24 Stages of Gum Disease Gum disease is a chronic (long-term) condition that develops over time. Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025 But few knew the man behind the man-child: ‘Pee-wee as Himself,’ a two-part documentary directed by Matt Wolf on HBO, supplies a vivid portrait of Paul Reubens, who receded behind his character. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 That could change—Trump could morph into a more normal president, the radical cuts and dramatic rise in tariffs could recede or retreat, but unless that happens, or some other statewide issue rises up, this will be a referendum on Trump more than anything. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Australia’s central bank cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to the lowest in two years as inflation concerns in the country continue to recede, giving room for the bank to ease monetary policy. Lim Hui Jie,anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede
Verb
  • The rain had stopped and much of the floodwater was subsiding.
    Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Yet, the excitement quickly subsided—shares fell 1.18% in after-hours trading to $178.84 following a mixed Q1 earnings report that exceeded EPS expectations but fell short on sales forecasts.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Mercedes-Benz withdrew its guidance for the rest of 2025, citing volatility caused by the tariffs, and Volkswagen lowered its profit margin expectations to between 5% and 6%.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • During questioning by Hildreth, Lee described withdrawing a total of $1,500 from ATMs in Vegas, with a bank statement listing the three withdrawals over two days.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Also, market reaction to further tariff moves may cause Trump to retreat to the point that the effect of any tariff actions is fairly nominal.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • The soldiers fired warning shots and then opened fire when the suspects would not retreat, according to the IDF.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 14 June 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Jones wrapped up his 12-year NFL career with a one-season stint at the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2019.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • Nunes retired in June 2023 after defending the 135-pound title with a win over Irene Aldana to care for her growing family.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Northwestern pond turtles have vanished from over half their range, which stretches from Baja California to Washington state.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025
  • Fans rapidly purchased the several thousand available copies, after which the collection vanished.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Disproportionate burden of care Traditionally, child care and household duties fall squarely on mothers.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 June 2025
  • Heavy rain is falling across the Kansas City area, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for parts of the metro.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recede. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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