recede
1 Americanverb (used without object)
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to go or move away; retreat; go to or toward a more distant point; withdraw.
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to become more distant.
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(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.
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to slope backward.
a chin that recedes.
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to draw back or withdraw from a conclusion, viewpoint, undertaking, promise, etc.
verb (used with object)
verb
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to withdraw from a point or limit; go back
the tide receded
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to become more distant
hopes of rescue receded
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to slope backwards
apes have receding foreheads
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(of a man's hair) to cease to grow at the temples and above the forehead
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(of a man) to start to go bald in this way
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to decline in value or character
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(usually foll by from) to draw back or retreat, as from a promise
Etymology
Origin of recede1
First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin recēdere “to go back, fall back”; equivalent to re- + cede
Origin of recede2
Explanation
Recede means to pull back, retreat, or become faint or distant. Flood waters recede, as do glaciers, and even abstractions like "panic" and "hope." Think "receding hairline." (That means bald.) Cede means "to yield." Politicians, after losing an election will "cede the field" or "concede the race." Recede means to yield back. Over time, this word has taken on the sense of fading or growing faint, as in "The ghostly vision of a woman receded into the fog."
Vocabulary lists containing recede
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
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Hatchet
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List 8
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Dentine is the softer layer beneath enamel, and it can become exposed when enamel wears away or gums recede.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026
As Middle East-driven inflation risks recede, the AI boom could emerge as the next inflation challenge with major chip makers awarding hefty bonuses and pay raises.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
Japan could also be a beneficiary if oil prices recede.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
But he looks the part — Jackman has a commendable willingness to recede inside himself — even though after the rousing opening, the script gives him almost nothing to do.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
The slugger didn’t offer to help me, despite its ability to grow arms at will, and I waited for the spasms to recede before climbing back into the chair.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
Though Kerner’s hairline receded years ago, his passion for the artist hasn’t.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Initially, airlines were only covering a portion of the run-up through higher fares, but that started to change as fuel prices receded.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
Optimism around a possible US-Iran deal boosted Asian stock markets on Friday, while oil prices receded slightly.
From Barron's ● May 29, 2026
While immigration sweeps have receded from the headlines, Garcia Venegas’ most recent incident highlights how the mistaken detention of Americans has continued despite congressional inquiries and denials by senior immigration officials.
From Salon ● May 24, 2026
Occasionally, the clouds receded, and she could briefly see the surface just overhead.
From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown
It’s true: I live surrounded by people who keep receding into the music of the past.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
I chose two: one ridged and heavy, its skin receding from burgundy into a deep, almost plum color; the other a cheerful red beefsteak.
From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2026
Photos from across the country have captured some of the dry conditions - including receding rivers, parched parks and sportspeople trying to play on.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
The point at which galaxies begin receding faster than light is called the Hubble distance.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 25, 2026
It was early evening—the fields receding into a pink invisibility as they rose back into the horizon.
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
