retreat 1 of 2

Definition of retreatnext
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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retreat
Noun
That was a puzzle for Marie, at least at first, given that the objective was to evoke the mood of a beach retreat rather than that of a mountain chalet. Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 Warsh’s retreat from transparency carries more downside risk than upside. Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
Memory stocks — Other memory stocks retreated alongside Micron, turning negative on the session. Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Then, as Micron’s construction wraps, forecasts call for revenue from development fees to retreat below current levels in the 2030 fiscal year. Mark Dee june 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • That means withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income and could be subject to early withdrawal penalties if used for unqualified expenses.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Critics counter that the abrupt withdrawal of aid is already having devastating humanitarian consequences.
    W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The event will have medical areas for people who may have a health emergency and cooling buses throughout the parade route for people to get refuge from the heat.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • Tucked along the Green River, not far from the Utah-Wyoming border, the refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species like the bald eagle.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • About 71 percent of the SPAC’s cash pool stayed in the merger rather than being withdrawn by investors.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • This means they can be revised or withdrawn without legislation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Officers learned that the victim who reported the incident initially fled the location, and the three suspects allegedly followed in pursuit.
    Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • There was an active arrest warrant for the man for fleeing and eluding, Tony said, and DNA samples had tied him to multiple other crimes.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • That means millions of Americans might own the stock indirectly through index funds in personal portfoilos or their retirement accounts.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Calling 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out of retirement for the tournament is an indication of the lack of world-class players head coach Julian Nagelsmann trusts.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Place posters in the neighborhood, post on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor and check every nearby shelter for your pet.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Six days after the Yankees' first 15 batters couldn't get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels' first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom's fifth-inning single.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Six days after the Yankees’ first 15 batters couldn’t get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels’ first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom’s fifth-inning single.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Last year, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets (Sunny and Gizmo) were about a month older during the fireworks show and had already grown enough feathers to fly away from the nest.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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