retreat 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈtrēt How to pronounce retreat (audio)
Definition of retreatnext
1
as in withdrawal
an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable we made a strategic retreat when we realized that we were outnumbered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger her bedroom served as a retreat from the frequent arguing between her parents the abandoned cabin was a welcome retreat from the storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

retreat

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to withdraw
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable) we retreated to the safety of the cellar at the first sign of the tornado

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flee
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening the untried soldiers retreated in humiliating disarray almost as soon as the enemy's onslaught began

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retreat
Noun
The summer solstice marks the longest day — and the start of the Sun's southward retreat, with shorter days to follow. — Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025 Stand Downs originated during the Vietnam War as safe retreats where combat units could rest, recover, and enjoy camaraderie in a secure environment. — Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
As the ice retreats to the poles, many rock walls become free. — Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 But Democrats have retreated from charter support and Republicans have moved on to support of school vouchers. — Peter Greene, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
  1. withdrawal
  2. refuge
  3. withdraw
  4. flee
  5. retirement
  6. shelter
  7. retire
  8. fly
Noun
  • After age 65, no penalty applies, though income taxes do apply on non-qualifying withdrawals.
    — Lina Storm, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The cease-fire agreed to in mid-January was a three-phase plan meant to lead to a long-term cessation of hostilities, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of all hostages taken by Hamas.
    — Ibrahim Hazboun, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of withdrawal
Noun
  • On Tuesday, about a dozen migrants began visiting foreign missions in Panama's capital, including the Canadian and British embassies and the Swiss and Australian consulates with the hope of starting the process to seek refuge in those countries.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • But for some high school students, that’s becoming an increasing challenge, as administrators try to prevent restrooms from being refuges for vaping, drug use, littering and loitering.
    — Sophia Urias, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of refuge
Verb
  • The annual auto auction in Canada confirmed Tesla received multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw from the event due to safety concerns.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
  • On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • On March 1, police descended upon Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the championship was holding its second day competitions, as a stampede of cheerleaders, coaches and parents ran fleeing from what many believed to be an active shooter situation.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Northcott fled to Canada, but was arrested soon after.
    — KC Baker, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of flee
Noun
  • Similarly, professionals feeling financial anxiety may delay saving for retirement, focusing only on immediate cash flow needs.
    — Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Irish are still seeking their first title since the retirement of program icon Muffet McGraw.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of retirement
Noun
  • On some days, as many as 40 to 60 rockets were dropped during production and the team were forced to spend lots of time in bomb shelters, Masucci explained.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
  • For years, the risk of jeopardizing shelter has been a reason for why some residents resist filing complaints — especially in an affordable housing crisis.
    — Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of shelter
Verb
  • Rockwool Denmark retired on Day 1 after a collision during the opening race.
    — Christina House, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Kyle McKinley has replaced retiring coach Don Erickson, who led the team for the last 31 years.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of retire
Verb
  • So, is Disney’s newest leading man taken or flying solo?
    — Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
  • One of the very last acts of the first Trump administration in regard to space was to name a cadre of astronauts that would fly as part of the Artemis Program.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of fly

Phrases Containing retreat

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retransmitting
retreat
retreated
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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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