Falls back
'falls back' is the definition.
('recede' can be a synonym of 'fall back')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for recedes that I've seen before include "Subsides" , "Withdraws" .)
'falls back' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for retreats that I've seen before include "Refuges" , "Recedes" , "Goes back, like defeated army" , "Places that afford peace and quiet" , "Of army, falls back before enemy attack" .)