as in retrogressing
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1
as in subsiding
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the sound of sirens receded as the fire engines roared off into the distance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in retreating
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
after the rain stops, the floodwaters should gradually recede
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Recent Examples of receding
Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
That ambiguity has encouraged some investors and companies to believe that the era of geopolitics dominating cross-border economic activity may be receding.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
The New York Times reported that the singer also had tattoos on his scalp to mask his receding hairline, tattoos on his eyebrows and a pink tattoo around his lips.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Water is receding, but Narsesian said levels are still high and the ice still is out there.
—Sarah Brumfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Water levels on the Des Plaines campus are receding, but the college needs permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to reopen.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Area rivers are all on a very gradual, downward trend but many will still be at the flood stage when Thursday’s system rolls through, according to King, who added that the rain will likely slow, if not halt those receding levels.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Then there’s the (guests-only) pool, where you’ll be met with bright yellow-and-white beach chairs and umbrellas, and a receding shallow end reminiscent of the nearby shore.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
But the groundwater has been receding at an alarming rate, and some wells have to be dug as deep as 150 meters (nearly 500 feet) to reach it.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Similarly, music has been proven to help Parkinson’s patients experience receding effects.
—Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
That ambiguity has encouraged some investors and companies to believe that the era of geopolitics dominating cross-border economic activity may be receding.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
The New York Times reported that the singer also had tattoos on his scalp to mask his receding hairline, tattoos on his eyebrows and a pink tattoo around his lips.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Water is receding, but Narsesian said levels are still high and the ice still is out there.
—Sarah Brumfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Water levels on the Des Plaines campus are receding, but the college needs permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to reopen.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Area rivers are all on a very gradual, downward trend but many will still be at the flood stage when Thursday’s system rolls through, according to King, who added that the rain will likely slow, if not halt those receding levels.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Then there’s the (guests-only) pool, where you’ll be met with bright yellow-and-white beach chairs and umbrellas, and a receding shallow end reminiscent of the nearby shore.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
But the groundwater has been receding at an alarming rate, and some wells have to be dug as deep as 150 meters (nearly 500 feet) to reach it.
—ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for receding
Noun
-
Iran on Tuesday executed a man convicted of armed rebellion, the judiciary said, the latest in a wave of hangings since war broke out with the United States and Israel.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
-
The lodges themselves are comfortable and modern, decorated in calming shades of oatmeal with plenty of natural wood and pretty rattan wall hangings.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Breezy winds return on Tuesday after subsiding somewhat on Monday.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
But there were no signs that the conflict was subsiding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When hunger calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for fresh seafood and pasta before retreating to Dimora dell'Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set among olive groves.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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And the country’s disconnection from the regime comes as Putin has removed himself from public life, literally retreating into a bunker.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Even after weeks of drying winds, the crackly leaves worked themselves into every corner and declivity.—
Annie Proulx,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As chairman, Cassidy has had several clashes with the White House over confirmations, including for Kennedy due to his support for decreasing the number of vaccines children receive.—
Gabrielle M. Etzel,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
-
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an overall 4% decrease, and unsheltered homelessness decreasing by 22% since the 2024 count.—
Robin Epley,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Even then, there’s a penalty on withdrawing funds before five years.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
For an account worth $200,000, for example, this could mean withdrawing a five-figure sum of money each year, depending on the age of the account holder.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Three other vehicles with human drivers then appeared to illegally pass the stopped bus.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The truck crossed into the eastbound lane and crashed into the stopped Kia, striking the three pedestrians, CHP said.—
Aidin Vaziri,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, in 2023, at a time when I was exhausted from the seeming futility of constantly writing and talking about it, fascism and the decline of democracy became popular topics in the mainstream media.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
The announcement comes on the heels of the struggling burger chain reporting its fifth straight quarter of same-store sales declines and rumors of a potential take-private deal led by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Receding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/receding. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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