recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.
the flood waters gradually receded
retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.
retreating soldiers
retract implies drawing back from an extended position.
a cat retracting its claws
back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.
backed off on the throttle
Example Sentences
A cat can retract its claws. The pilot retracted the plane's landing gear. The plane's landing gear failed to retract. Their college grants were retracted. They retracted the job offer.
Recent Examples on the WebBlinken apparently made no new commitments or promises and did not retract the July 4 statement that so upset the Abu Akleh family. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 27 July 2022 Trump’s anger reportedly prompted his team’s efforts to lobby Fox head honcho Rupert Murdoch to retract the call. Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post, 13 June 2022 Even if McKay and HBO were willing to retract their portrayal of West, his depiction of his time with the Lakers isn't entirely accurate either. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 20 Apr. 2022 In early March, Netrebko pulled out of upcoming performances with the New York Metropolitan Opera after she was asked to retract her support for Putin. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2022 With stocky feet, small eyes, a broad head, and 28 highly curved claws that are impossible to retract, the bear strikes without notice and eats his victim completely. A. Craig Copetas, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2022 The letter instructed the Trump Organization to essentially retract the documents, known as statements of financial condition, from 2011 to 2020. The New York Times, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2022 The letter instructed the Trump Organization to essentially retract the documents, known as statements of financial condition, from 2011 to 2020.New York Times, 14 Feb. 2022 In a cease and desist letter, the County Attorney's Office told Maricopa County Board of Supervisors candidate Gail Golec to immediately retract social media posts. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 2 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere — more at retreat