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 With curly hair receding above his broad forehead and an energetic grin, Zuckerman was effectively Tanton’s Trojan horse. —

Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 In an interview with Forbes, Back says many of the initial regulatory risks around Bitcoin have receded as financial institutions have an interest in expanding and keeping ETFs that track bitcoin on the market. —

Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 In 2023, migrant encounters near the U.S.-Mexico border reached historic highs, though the numbers have begun to recede as both nations have attempted to enact stricter immigration policies this past year. —

Alec Mork and Mikia Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 The camera picks up whatever is white and light first, and everything else that is dark recedes to the background. —

thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recede

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recede

Verb

But foot traffic subsides after two years, Young said, while zoos spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on bamboo that the pandas sometimes refuse.

Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024
But as soon as the trouble subsides, that response flips off, which may affect your immune system, too, Dr. Lee says.

Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024