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
Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote.
—Richard Green, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The Browns failed on fourth down on their second series when Sanders retreated against the rush on fourth-and-1 and ended up throwing the ball away.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The Dean Collection’s philosophy of circulation—allowing artworks to inhabit diverse spaces and reach varied audiences—finds expression in the intimate setting of the Paradis Suite, where guests encounter these works in moments of personal retreat and reflection.
—Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025
Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote.
—Richard Green, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
The basin formed as parts of its glacier melted and retreated and now acts like a giant bucket, filling up with rain, snow and ice that slowly melts over the summer.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
The Browns failed on fourth down on their second series when Sanders retreated against the rush on fourth-and-1 and ended up throwing the ball away.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The point at which individuals can access their portfolios without penalty is just part of the equation; ensuring that the portfolio growth can sustain the rate of withdrawal over the period of many years is just as crucial.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In these unfortunate circumstances, taxpayers should speak with a qualified tax professional to determine whether there are valid methods to mitigate against the often unfair tax consequences associated with the retirement fund withdrawal.—
Matthew L. Roberts,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Sabrina Chandler, who manages the wildlife refuge, said at a May meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association that just 30 Fish and Wildlife staff remain at refuges along the upper river, which cover hundreds of thousands of acres of floodplain.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The Hilton offers quiet refuge, with an exceptional view of the slow-churning Nile 30 feet from the swimming pool and desert hills beyond.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
DuPage County has several ways to pay bills, including electronically by having funds withdrawn from a savings or checking account; by credit card, including Visa, MasterCard or Discover; via a wire transfer; or by having a bank write the check.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
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Fear of one day having a family member detained or deported is linked with upticks in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a chronic anxiety that leads children and adolescents to avoid school or withdraw from public life, the study said.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Democrats in the state’s House have since fled the Lone Star state to avoid a quorum needed to pass the redistricting bill.—
ForbesTV,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
While others were desperately fleeing Afghanistan, Seierstad traveled there alone to see the impact of the Taliban victory.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Preparing for retirement: Stocks have taken a beating.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
-
For many of us, the default option in our retirement accounts is a target date fund, many of which invest in GEO Group and other for-profit prison companies.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In 2021, a dozen dogs were infected at Maricopa County's west shelter.—
Mary Jo Pitzl,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But the 2026 race to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell wasn't the sole focus of the day (despite McConnell's presence — and his legacy — looming large over the annual rally).—
Bailey Loosemore,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
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After his father retired from the Army, the family settled in Tallahassee, Florida, when the Emmy-winner was in 7th grade.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Firefighting helicopters on various occasions scooped up water from the lake when fighting wildfires instead of flying farther away.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In June, the Florida Division of Emergency Management worked with Grey Bull Rescue, which Collins had been assisting from the Middle East, to fly people out of the region.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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