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Meaning & use

recedes

verb·Academic

Last updated

UK/rɪˈsiːdz/
US/rɪˈsiːdz/

“recedes” is a form of “recede”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Moves back or away from a point, so that it seems farther off or less near.

    Grammar: No object; often followed by into or from: the shore recedes into the distance.

    Patterns

    • recede into the distance
    • recede from something

    As the ship sails, the coastline recedes into the distance.

    Her hair recedes at the temples.

    When the flood recedes, the farmers can return.

  2. verbintransitive

    Becomes weaker, smaller or less likely over time.

    Grammar: No object; used for feelings, hopes and threats.

    Patterns

    • recede into the background

    As the medicine works, the pain recedes.

    Worry recedes once the exam is over.

    The possibility of a deal recedes with every missed deadline.

Word forms

base formrecede
past tensereceded
past participlereceded
-ing formreceding

Common combinations

recedes into the distance
The train recedes into the distance.
flood waters recede
When the flood waters recede, cleanup begins.
hairline recedes
His hairline recedes a little each year.
recedes into the background
The argument recedes into the background.
recedes from view
The island slowly recedes from view.

Synonyms and how they differ

retreat
Retreat suggests moving back from danger or pressure, often by choice, while recede is neutral.
withdraw
Withdraw implies a deliberate act of removing oneself, and needs a person or force as subject.
ebb
Ebb is used mainly for tides and for fading feelings and sounds.
subside
Subside means to become less intense, and fits storms and pain, but not distance.

Opposites

advanceapproach

Word family

recession noun
a period of economic decline, or a moving back
receding adjective
moving back or shrinking
recess noun
a break or a small hollow space
recessive adjective
tending to recede, in genetics a trait that is hidden

Commonly confused: recedes or secede? recedes or receipt?

recedes vs secede

Secede means to formally withdraw from a group or country; recede means to move back or fade.

recedes vs receipt

Receipt is a proof of payment, not related in meaning.

Practice

As the tide goes out, the water slowly ____ from the beach.

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