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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote.
—Richard Green, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The Browns failed on fourth down on their second series when Sanders retreated against the rush on fourth-and-1 and ended up throwing the ball away.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The Dean Collection’s philosophy of circulation—allowing artworks to inhabit diverse spaces and reach varied audiences—finds expression in the intimate setting of the Paradis Suite, where guests encounter these works in moments of personal retreat and reflection.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote.
—Richard Green, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
The basin formed as parts of its glacier melted and retreated and now acts like a giant bucket, filling up with rain, snow and ice that slowly melts over the summer.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The Browns failed on fourth down on their second series when Sanders retreated against the rush on fourth-and-1 and ended up throwing the ball away.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The point at which individuals can access their portfolios without penalty is just part of the equation; ensuring that the portfolio growth can sustain the rate of withdrawal over the period of many years is just as crucial.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
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Tactical teams of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) were also sent to Seattle, Washington, though push back by former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and former Mayor Jenny Durkan eventually led to their withdrawal.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Sabrina Chandler, who manages the wildlife refuge, said at a May meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association that just 30 Fish and Wildlife staff remain at refuges along the upper river, which cover hundreds of thousands of acres of floodplain.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Hilton offers quiet refuge, with an exceptional view of the slow-churning Nile 30 feet from the swimming pool and desert hills beyond.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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DuPage County has several ways to pay bills, including electronically by having funds withdrawn from a savings or checking account; by credit card, including Visa, MasterCard or Discover; via a wire transfer; or by having a bank write the check.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
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Fear of one day having a family member detained or deported is linked with upticks in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a chronic anxiety that leads children and adolescents to avoid school or withdraw from public life, the study said.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bryan expressed admiration for Texas Democratic lawmakers, who’d fled their state in order to prevent their colleagues from being able to pass the new maps.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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As Texas Republicans convened for a second special session to move forward with a new congressional map deleting five Democratic seats, opposition-party lawmakers who’d fled the state were expected to return and oppose it — encouraged by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For many of us, the default option in our retirement accounts is a target date fund, many of which invest in GEO Group and other for-profit prison companies.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Kelce isn’t going to play football forever, and retirement speculation has peppered the last couple off-seasons.—
John Cassillo,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
-
By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But the 2026 race to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell wasn't the sole focus of the day (despite McConnell's presence — and his legacy — looming large over the annual rally).—
Bailey Loosemore,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
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But after retiring two years ago, the 58-year-old Mississippi resident started guiding anglers on inshore fishing trips from his one-of-a-kind, 18-foot Carolina Skiff.—
Bob McNally,
Outdoor Life,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Firefighting helicopters on various occasions scooped up water from the lake when fighting wildfires instead of flying farther away.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
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The next phase in the investigation will include interviewing employees and flying in experts, officials said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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