retreat 1 of 2

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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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
From carriage house renovations in Beacon Hill to Cape Cod beach retreats, the firm works on a wide variety of project types, including custom builds and whole-home design. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025 Wellness retreats have become incredibly popular and come in many different forms. Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Nvidia retreated almost 3% on Thursday, building on its drop of nearly 7% in the previous session. Alex Harring,pia Singh, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 The center attorneys retreated to a nearby hotel to await the verdict. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • But, while one side sees federal withdrawal as the lever to make that happen, the other warns that such moves risk creating a two-tier disaster system, one for the wealthy, one for the vulnerable.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • For football fans who have been having withdrawals every Sunday (Thursday and Mondays too), the real action is still months away, but at least tomorrow’s NFL Draft can satisfy the itch a little while longer.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Albert Schweitzer, meanwhile, transformed its Cholera Treatment Center into a refuge for those fleeing the violence and after helping Mirebalais’ doctors and nurses flee, provided meals and housing.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
  • And further, global investors may feel less inclined to automatically choose the U.S. as their refuge.
    Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Receiver Ny Carr, who entered the transfer portal a week ago, has withdrawn and is returning to Miami, 247 Sports reported.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Fellow dictatorships including Russia, China, North Korea, Cuba, and Iran lined up behind Maduro while Gonzalez fled the country during the reign of state terror against dissidents that followed the election.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The conflict has forced 12.4 million people to flee their homes and seek safety either elsewhere in Sudan or across the border, including more than half of whom are children (including nearly a third under five).
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency got another nudge toward the door in an email offering a second chance at voluntary retirement or deferred resignation.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • For example, Illinois faces a significant shortage of nurses — nearly 15,000 at last count — and half the state’s nurses are older than 55, with many considering retirement in the next five years.
    Arne Duncan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • That someone ended up being Gary, who only shared his first name, a volunteer who paid a visit to the shelter back in October.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor will retire at the end of his most recent term at the end of June, state officials said Tuesday.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Rodgers, 41, continues to weigh his options, which include signing with the quarterback-needy Steelers or retiring after 20 NFL seasons.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Conerly and several family members flew from Seattle to the other Washington.
    Ben Standig, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.
    Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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