rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrecedeDrawing back
verb

recede

rih-SEED/rɪˈsiːd/

To move farther away or become less prominent.

The water recedes slowly, leaving wet sand along the shore.

A shallow wave draws back from a beach, leaving a wet sand band, receding foam line and exposed shells; clear shoreward wet trace behind retreating water, sparse drawn water strokes, no photo texture or vast seascape.
Etymology
reLatinback
+cedeLatinto go

The pieces literally mean “go back.” That image connects physical retreat with the broader sense of withdrawing or becoming more distant.

In context

Free Documentary - Nature13:02
the waters recede and ecosystems once connected by floodplains and streams become cut off reducing the cayman's hunting grounds
World of the Wild | Episode 1: The Amazon Rainforest | Free Documentary Nature

More examples

  • We watch the coastline recede as our ship sails away.
  • Her worries recede as she settles into her new job.
  • His hairline has receded over the past few years.

Forms

recede · recedes · receded · receding

Similar words

retreat
Often suggests deliberate withdrawal, especially from danger or opposition.
diminish
Emphasizes becoming smaller or weaker rather than moving farther away.