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
Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The omnipresent threat of drones could complicate any Ukrainian retreat effort, which would likely see Kyiv's troops attempt to break out to the west of the city using its under-fire supply routes.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The next progression is running off makes, the Holy Grail for transition teams because taking the ball out of the net gives the defense more time to retreat.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Despite the chaos unfolding around her, Pelosi never seemed like a leader in retreat.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The omnipresent threat of drones could complicate any Ukrainian retreat effort, which would likely see Kyiv's troops attempt to break out to the west of the city using its under-fire supply routes.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
The hot weather retreated and a series of tropical storms drenched the area.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The next progression is running off makes, the Holy Grail for transition teams because taking the ball out of the net gives the defense more time to retreat.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
In 2016, as the Commonwealth moved to censure the Maldives, New Delhi provided diplomatic cover by making the case for engagement over sanctions and supporting the Maldives’ preemptive withdrawal from the organization.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Joe Biden’s seemed to end in August, 2021, when he was perceived as having botched the withdrawal from Afghanistan.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Best Hotels & Resorts Pousada do Vale Just a short walk from Noronha’s historic center, Pousada do Vale is a lush, garden-like refuge with a lovely spa.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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The 1961 film marked Buñuel’s return to filmmaking in Spain, which was then well into Francisco Franco’s reign as dictator, after more than two decades of taking refuge in the United States and directing features in Mexico.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The peace declaration included a commitment to withdraw heavy weapons from the border, de-mining efforts, and to de-escalate tensions that erupted into the brief but deadly border conflict.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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In addition, he was allegedly caught on camera by bank security withdrawing approximately $50,000 in cash from a bank on June 27, 2025.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The stream of remittances from relatives abroad, a consequence of more than 7 million Venezuelans fleeing the country under Maduro to look for better opportunities elsewhere, is also falling short.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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Witnesses said a silver Ford sedan fled the scene, and detectives later identified the driver as 57-year-old Humberto Munoz Gatica of Laguna Niguel, according to The Register.—
Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin,
FOXNews.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Outside of the coach, his wife and his successor, Frank Solich, no one knew of Osborne’s impending retirement.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
America’s retirement outlook is getting brighter.—
Fiona Greig,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Raimondo Orsi had already gone back to Argentina to look after his sick mother, and Luis Monti had retired.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The airline said customers looking for a refund on any flight can get one, even if flying basic economy or with a non-refundable ticket.—
Rachel Scott,
ABC News,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The trailer, soundtracked by a lilting piano melody, reveals the basic premise of the film, which focuses on a young boy named Arco from a distant and peaceful future, where humans live in the sky and use rainbow suits to fly through the air.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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