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

Examples 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 Emotional patterns replicate; revelations surface and then recede; injuries are experienced only belatedly. —

Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 Zoom out: Eventually, as Assad reclaimed territory from the rebels and the conflict stabilized between 2020 and 2023, Syria and its suffering receded from the front pages. —

Zachary Basu, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024 The more players win big titles, the more stardom can be distributed; if Sinner and Alcaraz keep winning as Djokovic recedes, then the sport may have to face up to big challenges in its relationship with media and relevance on the men’s side. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 That means that the Hubble constant measures the speed at which distant galaxies recede away from each other. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede

Verb

Though the storm largely subsided by Tuesday morning, another weather system forecast is expected to spread a wintry mess from Texas to the East Coast later this week, which means people likely won't be able to put down the shovels anytime soon.

Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Seek help from a healthcare provider if your baby exhibits any signs of an allergic reaction that don’t subside on their own with time.

Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025