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 Zhao was told by the dentist that his gums were receding. —

Alana Semuels, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025 By late last year, that proportion had receded to about 13 percent. —

Paula Span, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 As with oil and gas, deposits of REEs are becoming increasingly accessible as ice recedes in the Arctic. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 The economic thrust that prevailed for decades — a period of nations becoming ever more interconnected, with the U.S. as the unquestioned protector of that world order — has receded fast, and doesn't look likely to return. —

Courtenay Brown, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for recede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede

Verb

Even so, Reynolds felt a connection and interest in the role that wouldn’t subside over the long development period.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Although rains are expected to subside Sunday evening into Monday, flash-flood and mudslide risks for the wildfire burn scar areas will persist through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025