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

Relevance

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

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 Information-sharing efforts State officials say nonprofits and private-sector partners have become increasingly important as federal support has receded. —

Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 June 2026 But, even with the end so near, my thoughts turn ahead to preparations for another trip when the water recedes a bit. —

Ralph Tuttle, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 Confronted by a stubborn Mexican defense, the Koreans receded into a zigzag of impressive but somewhat fruitless passing. —

E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026 The film slowly sheds its main characters—receding ice, a grandfather lost, and a grandmother slipping away last. —

Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for recede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede

Verb

Without tick bites, red meat, or dairy to incite it, the immune response will subside eventually.

— Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
A little light headedness was the only immediate side effect for a first-timer, but that quickly subsided.

— Tom Bogert, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of subside

Verb

Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.

— Anabella González, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

Once again, Brazil’s midfield is quickly retreating towards their own goal as Morocco pile forward.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Moreover, the shock of higher prices is still fresh in people's minds and may be coloring consumers' purchasing decisions, despite signs that prices should retreat further.

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

Plus, new windows are more energy efficient than old ones, meaning a summer installation can decrease your energy bill now and when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Doubles players fear for their tennis future after being told by the ATP Tour that prize money and tournament sizes will decrease significantly starting in 2028.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of decrease

Verb

Six days after the Yankees' first 15 batters couldn't get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels' first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom's fifth-inning single.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Six days after the Yankees’ first 15 batters couldn’t get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels’ first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom’s fifth-inning single.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of retire

Verb

First-time homebuyers are a vanishing breed First-time buyers represented only 21% of all home purchasers in 2025, a record low, according to the National Association of Realtors.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Perhaps that last claim feels overblown, but movies indisputably falsify reality, presenting a world that seems hypervivid for a few hours but vanishes when the lights come up.

— Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026