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
Reuters, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
While the King also spends time at Balmoral Castle, Birkhall serves as his more personal Scottish retreat.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Gut instincts and history might tell us that stock, crypto and housing prices cannot retreat without collateral damage to the economy.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Li noted, however, that China’s dominance in green technology and Washington’s retreat could push China toward a more proactive role on the global stage.
—Reuters, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
While the King also spends time at Balmoral Castle, Birkhall serves as his more personal Scottish retreat.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
Along with many other major insurers, State Farm has been retreating from the California market for several years.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Gut instincts and history might tell us that stock, crypto and housing prices cannot retreat without collateral damage to the economy.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The portions of the plan that include Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the provision of mass humanitarian aid to Gaza are similar to past agreements, including the last one that collapsed after Israel violated its terms in March 2025.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Another came with the withdrawal of Tino Livramento, the England defender, who left the field on a stretcher, obviously distressed, with what looked like a bad knee injury.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Gold has long been considered a risk-off asset for investors that can provide refuge during times of economic and political turmoil.—
Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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His new book paints a varied portrait through courtyards, alleyways and community buildings, whether clan associations or methodist churches, that have offered refuge and camaraderie to generations of Asian diasporas.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Only then would the Israeli military withdraw completely from Gaza, at which point the post-war Gaza plan would turn to economic redevelopment.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The Israeli Defense Forces would gradually withdraw from parts of the Gaza Strip, but would permanently maintain a security buffer on all three land borders.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At least eight Salvadoran officials who had been investigating MS-13 and corruption, including some who had worked with Vulcan agents, fled the country after threats, harassment, and searches of their homes and offices.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
-
After the shootings, McFarlin fled to Mono County, where sheriff’s deputies arrested him.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In 1983, when the trust funds were on the verge of insolvency, a bipartisan agreement extended Social Security’s life by raising payroll taxes, requiring federal employees to contribute, and gradually increasing the full retirement age (FRA) to 67.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The joy of being part of a championship team post-retirement is just as sweet.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Red Cross shelters were set up at High Desert Middle School in Globe and Lee Kornegay Intermediate School in Miami.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ali retired from boxing undefeated with a perfect 24-0 professional record, including 21 knockouts, and remains a defining figure in women’s sports.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Canadian treasure, who played the Darth Vader–esque Dark Helmet in the original franchise, retired from acting in the ’90s after his wife died of cancer.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors, barely flinching at the rubber chicken.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Swift recorded the album during her behemoth Eras Tour, flying in and out of Sweden between stops to lay down tracks.—
Liz Schubauer,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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