In the following question, choose the option that gives the word opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given English word “Recede”.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks understanding of the antonym of the verb “recede”. Antonym questions are very common in competitive exams because they test whether a learner can precisely distinguish between similar actions that move in opposite directions, such as going back versus moving forward. Mastering such words improves accuracy in reading comprehension and in describing changes, trends, or movements in real life situations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The given word is “recede” and the options are “Ebb”, “Fade”, “Extend”, and “Wane”. The task is to find the word that is opposite in meaning to “recede”. We assume the words are used in their usual general sense: for example, receding hairline, receding flood waters, or receding footsteps.

Concept / Approach:
“Recede” means to move back, withdraw, or become more distant, less intense, or less noticeable. It can refer to water going back, sound becoming fainter, or a person or object moving away. Therefore its antonym should express the idea of moving forward, lengthening, or advancing. We need to eliminate the words that also imply reduction, decline, or going back and identify the one that clearly indicates progress or extension instead.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “recede” means to go back, retreat, withdraw, or become smaller or weaker. Step 2: Check “Ebb”. This describes the tide going out or a decline in strength or power. It is similar to receding, not opposite. Step 3: Check “Fade”. This means to become less bright, less clear, or less strong with time. Again this is a kind of reduction, close in sense to receding. Step 4: Check “Wane”. This means to decrease in size, extent, or degree, as when the moon wanes or interest wanes. Step 5: Check “Extend”. This means to stretch out, lengthen, or make something reach further in space or time. This is conceptually the opposite of going back or shrinking.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a shoreline. When the sea recedes, the water moves away from the land and more beach becomes visible. When the water extends, it moves further onto the shore and covers more land. Similarly, if a deadline recedes, it is moving further away in time (becoming less urgent), whereas if it is extended, the period is lengthened but in many contexts it is perceived as an expansion rather than a withdrawal. In contrast, ebb, fade, and wane all describe reduction in intensity or amount, which agrees with the idea of receding rather than contradicting it.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Ebb” represents a movement backward or a decline, especially of tides and fortunes, so it is a near synonym, not an antonym.
“Fade” indicates gradual loss of color, clarity, or strength, which again is a type of decrease related to receding.
“Wane” also implies decreasing size or power, as with a waning moon or waning enthusiasm, which matches the direction of “recede”.
None of these words shows forward or outward movement.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is assuming that any unfamiliar word must be the opposite, or picking a word that simply sounds different without checking its meaning. Another error is mixing up “extend” and “recede” because both can be used with distances and lengths, but they describe opposite directions of change. To avoid confusion, always ask whether the main idea is moving back and reducing, or reaching out and increasing.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “recede” is Extend.