What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recede
Example
The tide began to recede, revealing more of the beach. [recede: verb]
Example
The sound of the music gradually receded into the distance. [receded: past tense]
Example
He decided to recede from the argument to avoid further conflict. [recede: verb]
retreat
Example
She went on a retreat to clear her mind and focus on her goals. [retreat: noun]
Example
The army was forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses. [retreat: verb]
Example
He decided to retreat from the argument to avoid further conflict. [retreat: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recede is less common than retreat in everyday language. Retreat is often used in specific contexts, such as military or spiritual, while recede is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between recede and retreat?
Both recede and retreat are generally considered formal words, but retreat may be more commonly used in formal writing or speech due to its specific connotations in certain contexts.
