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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The program incorporates a weightlifting class for players, book study on leadership, an annual retreat in Arrowhead and a demanding game schedule.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The talk of the newsroom this morning is why Wall Street rallied and oil prices retreated on what could be considered very tenuous indications that diplomatic progress is being made.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Now, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit against a Coca-Cola distributor for hosting a women’s retreat could jeopardize the powerful sisterhood that sprang up to counter the old boys network, according to Saujani.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The program incorporates a weightlifting class for players, book study on leadership, an annual retreat in Arrowhead and a demanding game schedule.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
On the arm of the sofa, where he had been seated just minutes before retreating into his bedroom for a few minutes of shut-eye, was a block of brown and white ice.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
The talk of the newsroom this morning is why Wall Street rallied and oil prices retreated on what could be considered very tenuous indications that diplomatic progress is being made.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Private credit funds, meanwhile, often restrict withdrawals during times of stress.—
Krysta Escobar,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
-
And that's something a CD can offer – not only against market conditions but also against an endless cycle of withdrawals and deposits that a costly early withdrawal penalty can easily discourage.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
When the news breaks of faraway civilian casualties — an erroneous air strike on a school that relied on outdated intelligence, for example — the mind takes refuge in abstractions and statistics.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
World Liberty Financial borrowed so much USD1 from Dolomite that there is little left to borrow, meaning users who previously deposited the stablecoin on Dolomite may have trouble withdrawing, Vaiman said.—
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Spain has been one of Israel's staunchest critics, electing to withdraw its ambassador to the country last month in protest of its actions in the Middle East.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Tens of thousands fled by boat from Hue, many drowning in the attempt, and by the end of March a million refugees—soldiers, civilians, whole extended families—were clogging Route 7B, a major highway, trying to get farther south.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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More than 12 million have had to flee their homes, earning Sudan the unfortunate privilege of having the world’s worst displacement crisis.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For gamblers, especially younger ones who are just starting to earn and build the savings that will undergird their retirements, that can mean life-altering losses of wealth and financial stability.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
-
These are all factors demanding notice from small investors contemplating adding these sectors to their retirement funds.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Volunteer Kathy Smith said the shelter, which was founded 72 years ago, is in desperate need of help.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Their first day included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital (which Prince Harry's mom, Princess Diana, also visited in 1985) and a solo engagement for Meghan at a women's shelter.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Rea took the bulk of the innings following lefty Riley Martin’s perfect opening frame that required just six pitches to retire the top of the Phillies’ order.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The reason many of the remaining adults on Medicaid are not working is that they are retired, serving as a caregiver, or too sick, KFF has found.—
Samantha Liss,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each destroyer is equipped with two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters that can fly out to ships that might be potentially approaching the blockade line and can provide visual identification of the approaching ship.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The impact sent a baby’s car seat flying.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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