recede
used in Washington Square

The exact meaning of recede depends upon its context. For example:

• "We can't move back in until the floodwaters recede." — diminish and move away
• "Her fear receded." — diminished
• "The waves first advance and then recede." — move away
• "The news story receded into the background as it was replaced by new stories." — received diminished attention
• "a receding hairline" — diminished hair (each year the line where hair stops growing is higher)