as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retiring
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
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Suzan Fete, Renaissance Theaterworks' longtime artistic director and the final cofounder still with the company, is retiring at the end of this theater season.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Johnson played his final season with the Detroit Lions in 2008, retiring with 5,979 career rushing yards and 49 TDs.
—David Close, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Bledsoe played with the Bills until 2005, before joining the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons and retiring in 2007 at 35 years old.
—Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Taiwan is retiring legacy systems, such as Cold War–era fighter jets and tanks, and instead deploying a variety of modern capabilities, such as HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems and NASAMS 3 air defense systems, which have been effective in Ukraine.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
After retiring last year, Francis gets $3,000 a month in Social Security payments and has struggled to find a part-time job to supplement that income — he was recently turned down for a position as a pizza delivery driver.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Third baseman Yoán Moncada made the only error, and Hendricks responded by easily retiring the next three, who happened to be the top three in the Rockies’ order.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
For those seeking sunshine, safety, and affordability, retiring abroad is more appealing than ever.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
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
However, the fact of the matter is that the future Hall of Fame quarterback will likely be retiring following the 2025 campaign.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Suzan Fete, Renaissance Theaterworks' longtime artistic director and the final cofounder still with the company, is retiring at the end of this theater season.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Johnson played his final season with the Detroit Lions in 2008, retiring with 5,979 career rushing yards and 49 TDs.
—David Close, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Bledsoe played with the Bills until 2005, before joining the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons and retiring in 2007 at 35 years old.
—Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Taiwan is retiring legacy systems, such as Cold War–era fighter jets and tanks, and instead deploying a variety of modern capabilities, such as HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems and NASAMS 3 air defense systems, which have been effective in Ukraine.
—Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
After retiring last year, Francis gets $3,000 a month in Social Security payments and has struggled to find a part-time job to supplement that income — he was recently turned down for a position as a pizza delivery driver.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Third baseman Yoán Moncada made the only error, and Hendricks responded by easily retiring the next three, who happened to be the top three in the Rockies’ order.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
For those seeking sunshine, safety, and affordability, retiring abroad is more appealing than ever.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retiring
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Farmingdale, New York — After a weekend of absolute bedlam at Bethpage, the dust is settling on an extraordinary Ryder Cup competition.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
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The Buckeyes unexpectedly trailed Washington 3-0 late in the second quarter and were one stop away from settling for a field goal, which would’ve caused Husky Stadium to erupt.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But Williams sealed the Pats’ only win of the season thus far, sacking Tua Tagovailoa on the Dolphins’ final offensive snap with less than two minutes left in Week 2.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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The Giants largely held Jayden Daniels in check, particularly after halftime, while sacking him 3 times.—
Howard Megdal,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Pederson had been withdrawing money from the Ronald McDonald House checking account and depositing it into her personal PayPal account, according to the criminal complaint.—
Karen Madden,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
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Despite international aid groups withdrawing from Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s oppressive regime and its persecution of women and girls, the Reynolds chose to remain.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That’s just shy of the $15 million to $25 million that box office analysts had predicted.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
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Once approached by the director, the women were hardly camera-shy.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There are two sleeping areas in the Berra.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Sep. 2025
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The photo shows the dog curled up onto a pillow, sleeping soundly and securely.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As a result of the investigation, embassy officials decided not to renew the employee’s contract, effectively dismissing him.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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The appellate court last year reversed Martínez-Olguín’s initial case dismissal, leading to the judge dismissing it again.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Later, half of them mime shooting the others, who are retreating with their hands up.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2025
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Mike Bailey delivered a superkick to Dax Harwood, and Kevin Knight hit Cash Wheeler with a dropkick, sending FTR and Stokely retreating and ending the chaotic confrontation.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retiring. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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