Recede, as the tide
Published by Naitik Mehta · April 4, 2026
Stuck on the clue Recede, as the tide from the New York Times Mini for April 4, 2026? We have the correct 3-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Recede, as the tide (3)
Answer
The answer to Recede, as the tide is Ebb (3 letters).
Why does Ebb fit this clue?
This is a direct definition clue where 'Recede, as the tide' points to EBB, a verb meaning to flow back or withdraw. Ebb describes the movement of tidal water as it retreats from the shore toward the sea, opposite to the flow that brings water inland. The qualifier 'as the tide' specifies the nautical context, distinguishing this physical sense of withdrawal from metaphorical uses like 'ebb of enthusiasm.' The word comes from Old English and has been the standard term for tidal recession for centuries.
What does Recede, as the tide mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
recede
verb
•to move back or withdraw from a previous position
tide
noun
•the regular rise and fall of ocean water levels caused by gravitational forces
This clue has appeared in 2 puzzles
The clue Recede, as the tide has been used across multiple crosswords. Here’s every puzzle where it’s appeared, most recent first.
NYT Mini — Apr 4, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle
What does Ebb mean?
noun
•The receding movement of the tide.
•A gradual decline.
verb
•To flow back or recede
•To fall away or decline
adjective
•Low, shallow
Origin of the word Ebb
•origin: Old English 'ebba'
•period: Old English
The word is related to Old Norse 'ebba' and ultimately derives from a Germanic root meaning 'to flow back,' sharing ancestry with the Dutch 'ebbe' and German 'Ebbe'.
How to use Ebb in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Ebb.
•“The tide began to ebb, revealing shells and seaweed scattered across the wet sand.”
•“As the evening wore on, her initial excitement started to ebb and she felt increasingly tired.”
•“The old man's strength continued to ebb during his final days in the hospital.”
What are other crossword clues for Ebb?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Mini, Apr 4, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Mini for April 4, 2026 was published by Sam Ezersky and has 19 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
Across
Down
Recently added clues
Frequently asked questions about Recede, as the tide
- What is the answer to Recede, as the tide?
- The answer is Ebb (3 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on April 4, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Recede, as the tide have?
- The answer has 3 letters: Ebb.
- How many times has Recede, as the tide appeared as a crossword clue?
- This clue has appeared in 2 puzzles, most recently the New York Times Mini on April 4, 2026.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Mini — Apr 4, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle