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
The Well Coconut Grove, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Andrew Beebe, managing director of Obvious Ventures, frames today’s political landscape as a reset, not a retreat.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
But previous Daniel Jones models would have withered after such an ugly start and retreated to an all-checkdown menu for the rest of the game.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
This is not an escape to the ultimate luxury retreat.
—The Well Coconut Grove, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Andrew Beebe, managing director of Obvious Ventures, frames today’s political landscape as a reset, not a retreat.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
However, erosion has accelerated in recent years, with the shoreline retreating at a rate of roughly 4 feet per year, according to the report.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
But previous Daniel Jones models would have withered after such an ugly start and retreated to an all-checkdown menu for the rest of the game.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The American withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 created the vacuum into which Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi marched, declaring a caliphate and seizing territory the size of Britain.—
Aviva Klompas,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The blueprint calls for the military withdrawal of Israeli forces and the complete disarmament of Hamas.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Gold has long been considered a risk-off asset for investors that can provide refuge during times of economic and political turmoil.—
Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
His new book paints a varied portrait through courtyards, alleyways and community buildings, whether clan associations or methodist churches, that have offered refuge and camaraderie to generations of Asian diasporas.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Ryan Yates, who had been a destructive figure in midfield, was subsequently withdrawn amid three attacking changes, which saw Callum Hudson-Odoi, Omari Hutchinson and Igor Jesus introduced, giving Forest more threat, but also allowing Newcastle more openings.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
After President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection campaign yesterday, the endorsements have been rolling in for Vice President Kamala Harris to be selected as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election.—
Anna Tingley,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bundy was initially arrested fleeing a patrol car.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Robbie, too, is trying to flee home.—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Statewide, most of the turnover came from educators exiting their school districts entirely, including for retirement or jobs in new fields, instead of transferring to a different school district, the Policy Forum reported.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The Social Security Administration will continue to issue retirement and disability benefits, but will furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan.—
Terry Moseley,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
One shelter the actress is proud and excited to highlight is Animal Haven in New York City, which is holding an in-person adoption event over the weekend.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
When a horse retires, Dills said it is first offered to its handler and then to officers within the department.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The big move by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway to buy the chemicals business of oil giant Occidental Petroleum for nearly $10 billion is a double win for Berkshire, analysts say, in Buffett’s potential swan song deal before retiring at the end of December.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors, barely flinching at the rubber chicken.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Swift recorded the album during her behemoth Eras Tour, flying in and out of Sweden between stops to lay down tracks.—
Liz Schubauer,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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