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Which of these grows at about the same rate that the Moon recedes from Earth?

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recede

¹ American  

[ri-seed] / rɪˈsid /

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

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recede ² American  

[ree-seed] / riˈsid /

verb (used with object)

receded, receding

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

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recede British  

/ 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

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Etymology

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

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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."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

recede receded receding

A series of men enter the author’s life only to vanish or recede.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

When enamel wears away, or gums recede, exposed dentin can make teeth particularly sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026

The listing could also pave the way for Jio's competitors to raise prices, as fears of being undercut by a cheaper rival begin to recede.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

Long Beach officials said they continue to work to fortify the sand berms and seawall that remain, and are checking drains to ensure any flooding can quickly recede.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

“And this is after—” The lights start to recede, the patches shrinking like puddles of water drying in the sun.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

That threat appears to have receded and the process has been marked by a spirit of co-operation, which is expected to continue.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

A week after the floodwaters receded, Angelenos started circulating petitions that would recall the corrupt Shaw from office.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

In recent weeks, many of those worries have receded.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

As the tide receded, Bucknall and his team hitched a heavy steel roller to the back of a quad bike to pack down the sand to produce a firm playing surface.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

Above him, the moon receded and disappeared again behind clouds.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

Meanwhile, analysts say receding expectations for an aggressive rate-hike cycle from the Federal Reserve should also support bitcoin.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

In a briefing on Monday, government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises said floods were receding, but "some areas in Bangkok are still facing high water levels".

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

After mid-August there are signs of high pressure receding for a time, allowing Atlantic low pressure and frontal systems closer to the UK.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

It’s true: I live surrounded by people who keep receding into the music of the past.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

A few minutes later, I saw the receding glow of the minister’s lantern like a distant firefly in the black night.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

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Related Words

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

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