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as in withdrawn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• withdrawn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

So does providing liquidity to retiring senior partners and setting up the next generation for success. — Will Hausberg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

The company announced Scott Lovett, president of Go To Market, will be retiring in 2027. — Davis Giangiulio,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

After retiring in 2016 with 409 career home runs, Teixeira returned to Texas and announced his candidacy for the 21st Congressional District a year ago. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Some of these artists genuinely intended to step aside before changing their minds years later, and others simply saw a reliable gimmick to dramatically increase ticket sales and had no actual intention of retiring. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026

Tighe continued her work as a defense attorney until retiring four or five years ago, her husband said. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Pelosi, 86, is retiring after representing San Francisco in Congress since 1987, becoming one of the most powerful Democratic lawmakers and becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Filter worked the Harpeth River Jane Doe case as a detective before retiring from the MNPD in December 2025. — Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2026

The couple made the first of what would be many toasts over dinner beneath chandeliers and amid floral arrangements by Noah’s mom, Wendy, before retiring to twin beds ahead of the wedding proper. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026