Synonyms of retiring

retiring 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-iŋ 

as in withdrawn

not comfortable around people

one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawn
• shy
• lone
• bashful
• introverted
• backward
• diffident
• coy
• modest
• sheepish
• recessive
• reserved
• demure
• embarrassed
• self-effacing
• awkward
• antisocial
• unsociable
• inhibited
• unassertive
• unsocial
• lone-wolf
• uneasy
• uptight
• unadventurous
• unenterprising
• self-conscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outgoing
• extroverted
• social
• immodest
• gregarious
• companionable
• sociable
• convivial
• boon
• dashing
• bold
• forceful
• forward
• clubbable
• uninhibited
• unreserved
• brash
• overbold

retiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of retire

1

as in settling

to go to one's bed in order to sleep

I'm exhausted, so I think I'll retire for the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• settling
• sleeping
• bedding
• napping
• crashing
• turning in
• hitting the hay
• bunking
• dozing
• dossing (down)
• nodding
• dropping off
• snoozing
• roosting
• perching
• lying (down)
• reclining
• slumbering
• couching

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rising
• arising
• waking
• uprising
• awakening
• getting up
• awaking
• wakening
• rousing
• stirring
• arousing
• reawakening
• shifting
• bestirring
• reawaking

2

as in sacking

to let go from office, service, or employment

as a part of its restructuring, the company has begun to retire its older employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sacking
• dismissing
• removing
• firing
• releasing
• terminating
• axing
• discharging
• canning
• downsizing
• mustering out
• cashiering
• pink-slipping
• turning off
• bouncing
• showing (someone) the door
• sending packing
• trimming
• laying off
• furloughing
• separating
• excessing
• unseating
• kicking out
• drumming (out)
• chucking (out)
• booting (out)
• throwing out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• employing
• hiring
• retaining
• engaging
• keeping
• signing (up or on)
• taking on
• contracting
• rehiring
• recruiting
• reemploying
• subcontracting

3

as in withdrawing

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

the insurgents have retired to the outskirts of the city, but appear to be readying themselves for another offensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawing
• retreating
• fleeing
• receding
• falling back
• pulling out
• evacuating
• giving way
• dropping back
• losing ground
• backing away
• flying
• leaving
• shrinking
• departing
• giving ground
• flinching
• recoiling
• detaching
• going
• vacating
• abandoning
• quitting
• disengaging
• backtracking
• climbing down
• pulling away
• backing down
• disentangling
• bowing out
• backpedaling
• chickening (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advancing
• facing
• confronting
• daring
• defying
• breasting
• braving
• brazening
• outbraving
• bearding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retiring

Adjective

Rangel, a mustachioed, natty dresser rarely seen with a hair out of place, hardly had a reputation for a shy and retiring personality. — Daily News Staff, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025

After running more than 400 games, the researchers concluded that a fully passive style of scavenging – snatching some carrion when no one is looking – was too retiring and less than ideal. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023

Austen’s most retiring and internal heroine, spends much of the movie chatting to the camera, even giving sarcastic glances and eye rolls in the middle of the action. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022

So a more retiring co-parent certainly can be, say, the homework explainer and behind-the-scenes calendar keeper while the more outgoing parent takes meetings and makes phone calls – absolutely. — Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2018

In part, that's because Hemsley is probably the most retiring, publicity-adverse CEO heading an iconic company. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2017

Verb

Fricker went on to star in another ITV drama Seekers, 1994 sports comedy Angels in the Outfield, 1997’s Masterminds, and 2011’s Albert Nobbs, before retiring from big-screen roles in 2015. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

The three-time Pro Bowl running back racked up 9,651 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns in his NFL career, before retiring in 2017. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

If Quentin Tarantino remains committed to retiring from filmmaking after his 10th feature film, then whatever movie the Oscar winner decides to make next will be his swan song from the big screen. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 16 July 2026

Featuring a classic gold-tone knob and black handle, Le Creuset’s elevated tea kettle is now under $75 in the retiring olive color. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Patty moved to the district just about a year and a half ago after retiring from a career in the military. — Jack Harvel july 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Derek Mayer has come out of retirement to replace his retiring predecessor. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Durbin is retiring at the end of his current term, while Cassidy failed to win his recent primary reelection bid. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 July 2026

The Quest reached south Georgia on January 4, 1922, and Shackleton made his final diary entry before retiring to bed. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026