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 Popular discussion has flared and receded during the past sixty-odd years like a series of cultural hot flashes, each time presented as if nobody had talked about menopause before. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 Although inflation receded last month, an escalating trade war threatens to hike prices on consumer goods going forward. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 As the water recedes, a squishy creature is left clinging to the slippery, wet rocks. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 Since then, egg prices have receded, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede
Verb
  • The swelling in the area never subsided, prompting surgery to clean up bone spurs that had traveled dangerously close to his Achilles tendon.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The rain, expected to begin late Sunday, will subside by Monday afternoon, but below-average temperatures will hang around all week, according to the National Weather Service.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Waltz is now Trump's national security advisor, but Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The race attracted serious fundraising from Democrats, and was in the spotlight after President Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik's name from consideration for U.N. ambassador to avoid risking further depleting his party's already narrow majority.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The VMAs, which have seen their social capital diminish over the past few years, delivered a promising ceremony in 2024.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2025
  • As time went on, her pain diminished, but August decided to go to the emergency room.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Financial markets have retreated this year amid mounting concerns that the Trump administration's economic policies could jar spending by American consumers and businesses, hurting economic growth.
    Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pelicans add another dimension to the scene on these deep lakes, formed roughly 12,000 years ago after the glaciers retreated allowing meltwater to form Channel Lake, Lake Marie, Loon Lake and others in northern Illinois.
    Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, their wage bills only decreased by 28 per cent.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Keeping those cuts on the books would decrease revenue by $4.5 trillion from 2025 through 2034, according to estimates from the Tax Foundation.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Then, Judge made a special tribute to Brett by imitating the retired player’s flex move after the chanting, a tribute Judge has done in the years since Brett retired.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • After all, the 19-year-old figure skater retired from the sport three years ago, only returning to training again a year ago and international competition six months ago.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But that optimism has largely vanished and little else has emerged as a backstop in Washington beyond hope that states’ attorneys general and legislatures can stand in the breach.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Once thought to have vanished from the face of the Earth, scientists have rediscovered the elusive amphibian Alsodes vittatus after a gap of 130 years.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, that fight fell apart in early March, when a hand injury forced Whyte from the card.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell as low as 4% as investors turned to bonds in their search for safety.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recede. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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