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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
What followed was an extensive renovation that transformed the 18th-century property into a modernized retreat, although according to Barrymore, the scale of the project appears to have influenced her decision to sell sooner than expected.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 30 Mar. 2026
Micron shares are up 270% from one year ago, but most of those gains have retreated in 2026.
—Lola Murti, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The daffodil retreats because its strength comes in rebirth.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
What followed was an extensive renovation that transformed the 18th-century property into a modernized retreat, although according to Barrymore, the scale of the project appears to have influenced her decision to sell sooner than expected.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Dion had retreated from performing after revealing she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological and autoimmune disorder that affects mobility and vocal ability.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 30 Mar. 2026
Micron shares are up 270% from one year ago, but most of those gains have retreated in 2026.
—Lola Murti, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The Leo moon supports your deliberate withdrawal.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Dallas Area Rapid Transit narrowly escaped a slate of six withdrawal elections that could have shrunk the public transportation system significantly this year, exposing challenges the agency faces in providing bus, train and other transit services over a sprawling region.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kent also sought refuge with Candace Owens, a blatantly antisemitic influencer on the far right, and her podcast audience.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
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Nattie takes a job as a janitor at the hospital and finds a refuge in the library, striking up a friendship with the lonely librarian.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The streaming giant’s stock price doesn’t yet reflect it, but analysts’ uniformly positive reaction is perhaps the biggest vote of confidence by the Street since Netflix last month withdrew its proposal to acquire Warner Bros.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
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If earnings are withdrawn early and don’t qualify for an exception, a 10% additional tax penalty may apply.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The sole occupant of the home was assaulted and tied up before the suspect stole several items from the home, including a vehicle, then used that vehicle to flee the scene, according to LeLacheur.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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All three suspects in the vehicle bailed and fled on foot, prompting assistance from both the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore City's Foxtrot.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Americans born in 1960 or later, full retirement age for Social Security is 67.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
District scrutiny and investigations Bill Elliott announced his retirement in January 2026 amid heightened scrutiny of the district's handling of Caleb Elliott's hiring and supervision.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Other rabbits end up in her shelter after living their lives in a laboratory.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But with Graves set to retire and not seek reelection, Kansas City stands on the brink of losing a seat at one of the most important tables in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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Jose Franco retired five batters before leaving with two on.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By then, red flags were already flying.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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The pair launched a fundraiser to pay for more helicopter flying hours and advanced search gear.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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