recede

¹

[ri-seed]

verb (used without object)

receded, receding 

1. to go or move away; retreat; go to or toward a more distant point; withdraw.

2. to become more distant.

3. (of a color, form, etc., on a flat surface) to move away or be perceived as moving away from an observer, especially as giving the illusion of space.

4. to slope backward.

   a chin that recedes.

5. to draw back or withdraw from a conclusion, viewpoint, undertaking, promise, etc.

   Synonyms: retreat, retire

recede

²

[ree-seed]

verb (used with object)

receded, receding 

1. to cede back; yield or grant to a former possessor.

recede

/ rɪˈsiːd /

verb

1. to withdraw from a point or limit; go back

   the tide receded

2. to become more distant

   hopes of rescue receded

3. to slope backwards

   apes have receding foreheads

4. 1. (of a man's hair) to cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead

   2. (of a man) to start to go bald in this way

5. to decline in value or character

6. (usually foll by from) to draw back or retreat, as from a promise

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin recēdere “to go back, fall back”; equivalent to re- + cede

Origin of recede²

First recorded in 1765–75; re- + cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of recede¹

C15: from Latin recēdere to go back, from _re- + cēdere to yield, _cede

Example Sentences

But in recent years his spending has receded significantly, and the Owls are far more likely to be playing in League One than the Premier League in the next few years.

From BBC

His eyes seem to recede under his eyelids, as though entering a profound state of hypnosis.

From Los Angeles Times

The threat of court action receded when the case was taken up by Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards in May last year.

From BBC

Rescue workers are still trying to drain the lake, which had initially receded but filled up again after more rains.

From BBC

But in the 2020s the level of spending has receded significantly, debts and creditors have risen sharply, and though Chansiri has indicated he is open to selling the club, no takeover has materialised.

From BBC

Related Words

• abate 
• decrease 
• diminish 
• dwindle 
• ebb 
• fade 
• fall back 
• lessen 
• reduce 
• retreat 
• shrink 
• sink 
• subside 
• taper 
• wane