recede

1 of 2

verb (1)

re·​cede ri-ˈsēd How to pronounce recede (audio)
receded; receding
Synonyms of recede

intransitive verb

1
a
: to move back or away : withdraw
a receding hairline
b
: to slant backward
2
: to grow less or smaller : diminish, decrease
a receding deficit

recede

2 of 2

verb (2)

re·​cede (ˌ)rē-ˈsēd How to pronounce recede (audio)
receded; receding; recedes

transitive verb

: to cede back to a former possessor

Synonyms of recede

Relevance

Verb (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for recede

recede, retreat, retract, back 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

retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

Examples of recede in a Sentence

Verb (1) the sound of sirens receded as the fire engines roared off into the distance after the rain stops, the floodwaters should gradually recede
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Near Fort Walton Beach, officials had to wait until floodwaters began to recede late Friday night before beginning cleanup operations. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026 The logistics data points to pressure extending beyond the ports, with businesses facing tighter warehouse availability and elevated freight costs even as the peak shipping period begins to recede. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The threat of tsunami has likely largely receded, says USGS seismologist Susan Hough, as the quake occurred on land and happened at a relatively shallow depth. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026 Those preferences endured as the pandemic receded, and hospitality responded with gusto. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recede

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Latin recedere to go back, from re- + cedere to go

Verb (2)

re- + cede

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recede was in the 15th century

Rhymes for recede

See All Rhymes for recede

Browse Nearby Words

recce
recede
recedence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recede. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recede

verb
re·​cede
ri-ˈsēd
receded; receding
1
a
: to move back or away
the flood waters receded
b
: to slant backward
a receding forehead
2
: to grow less or smaller
a receding debt
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