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
Verb
Markets are still pricing in about a 68% chance of a full percentage point reduction by the end of 2024, but even that has receded from the near-certainty Monday of a 1.25-point move.—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2024 Or will the red wave recede, leaving the moderate Republicans in power but on shaky ground?—Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2024 The Sevier County Emergency Management Agency said Monday that water had receded overnight on most roads in the area but encouraged residents to be mindful of potential debris while driving.—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 July 2024 Tasked with navigating a receding advertising market and the strikes that took over Hollywood last summer, Zaslav sputtered.—Quartz Staff, Quartz, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recede
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recede.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Verb (1)
Middle English, from Latin recedere to go back, from re- + cedere to go
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