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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Built over a decade (1545-55), this splendid country retreat near Vicenza is about an hour’s drive from Venice.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
At the beginning of the move, Sommer did well to retreat to his line and move across to the near post, tracking a potential shot from Gerard Martin.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
In Europe and North America especially, the faith of our ancestors has been in a decades-long retreat—pews emptying, vocations dwindling, parish doors shuttering.
—Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Built over a decade (1545-55), this splendid country retreat near Vicenza is about an hour’s drive from Venice.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
Was Goldman Sachs boldly standing up for DEI, while some other big banks were retreating on the issue?
—Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
At the beginning of the move, Sommer did well to retreat to his line and move across to the near post, tracking a potential shot from Gerard Martin.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Many sailors initially headed for Norway’s northern ports, which were close to an early counteroffensive brought to an end by the fall of France and the Allied withdrawal.—
Heather Farmbrough,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
The decision follows the withdrawal of Trump's initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, from Senate consideration.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
The Princess of Wales, 43, who recently shared how nature has become a refuge during her cancer recovery, has passed on that love to her only daughter.—
Monique Jessen,
People.com,
8 May 2025
-
Surely, Congress or the administration wouldn’t sacrifice prime wildlife habitat, access to favorite places, lands along a quiet stream or a wildlife refuge, right?—
Tracy Stone-Manning,
Denver Post,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
The spacer might shut down, withdraw or become defensive, leaving the chaser feeling unheard and the spacer feeling emotionally ambushed.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
The Great Plains Theater Commons, in Omaha, Neb., got an email withdrawing a recommendation for a $35,000 grant for an annual play festival.—
Michael Paulson,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
The cruel politics of South Carolina lawmakers are harming families and destroying a health care system as more and more providers flee the state.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
Three Yale professors who study fascism are fleeing the U.S.—
Eric Lipton,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Like an aging slugger stepping up to the plate again after their retirement, the 78-year-old John was given a returning hero’s welcome by the 27,000-strong audience.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
-
Ryan Blaney, who clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2023 and finished second in 2024, has come under the scrutiny of industry insiders, including Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. In 2025 so far, the Team Penske driver has suffered four race retirements.—
Lydia Mee,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Even Hayek and Friedman talked confidently about a flat 25 percent income tax—as if Andrew Mellon, who had unmatched wisdom on this score, was incorrect that any rate over 10 percent prompts the full menace of flows into economically unproductive shelters.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
Earlier this year, the star launched an emergency fund and donated $100,000 to victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, and also volunteered at an animal shelter to help cats and dogs that were affected by the natural disaster.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Waltz retired from the National Guard last fall at the rank of colonel.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
Final Few Boxes include last-chance style that the brand is retiring.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Bridges followed that make with a flying steal in front of his bench, then ripped the ball out of Jaylen Brown’s arms to end the game.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
-
Related: [These new flying taxis offer a glimpse at our future commutes] But those use cases are still a far cry from the vision many futurists have of personal flying cars swarming city skies.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share