recede
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for recede, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move gradually back or away from a previous position.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
drop off
pull away
draw back
pull back
move back
fall back
fall behind
Antonyms
How to use recede
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
receding hairline
the tide recedes
fear receded
Etymology
From Middle French receder and Latin recedere ("to withdraw"), from re- plus cedere ("to go").
Full origin of recede →Frequently asked questions
What does “recede” mean?
The word “recede” means to move gradually back or away from a previous position. In plain terms, gradually moving back, shrinking away, or fading.
How do you pronounce “recede”?
“Recede” is pronounced rih-SEED (/ɹɪˈsiːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “recede” in a sentence?
Here is “recede” used in a sentence: “The floodwaters began to recede after two days.”
What part of speech is “recede”?
“Recede” is a verb.
Where does the word “recede” come from?
The word “recede” comes from Latin. From Middle French receder and Latin recedere ("to withdraw"), from re- plus cedere ("to go").
