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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Nicholas D. Kristof,
Mercury News,
3 July 2026
Africa’s bid to build its own vaccine industry is about to face its biggest test just as Western health funding retreats.
—
Paul Adepoju,
semafor.com,
2 July 2026
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Years on, living in Mumbai and retreating to the anonymity of the background row, she is gradually drawn back toward the stage.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
My retreats aren’t mansions or even homes, except in the most temporary sense.
—
Nicholas D. Kristof,
Mercury News,
3 July 2026
Africa’s bid to build its own vaccine industry is about to face its biggest test just as Western health funding retreats.
—
Paul Adepoju,
semafor.com,
2 July 2026
Verb
The decision comes amid ongoing discussions over what the security arrangements would be for the family who so controversially retreated from royal life.
—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
Years on, living in Mumbai and retreating to the anonymity of the background row, she is gradually drawn back toward the stage.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
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That means withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income and could be subject to early withdrawal penalties if used for unqualified expenses.
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Critics counter that the abrupt withdrawal of aid is already having devastating humanitarian consequences.
Noun
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The city has taken a slate of actions to help sweat-dripping denizens find refuge from the heat, including opening up additional cooling centers and expanding pool hours.
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Residents are welcome to use the center during the day for refuge and to connect with available resources.
Verb
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About 71 percent of the SPAC’s cash pool stayed in the merger rather than being withdrawn by investors.
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This means they can be revised or withdrawn without legislation.
Verb
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Officers learned that the victim who reported the incident initially fled the location, and the three suspects allegedly followed in pursuit.
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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.
Noun
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That means millions of Americans might own the stock indirectly through index funds in personal portfoilos or their retirement accounts.
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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.
Noun
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Place posters in the neighborhood, post on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor and check every nearby shelter for your pet.
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Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Verb
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Adeline André will close out the official calendar in Paris, on Thursday at 4pm, while a number of attendees will fly to Rome for the Fendi show that evening at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea.
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Norway and Brazil were locked in a tense, back-and-forth game Sunday, in the round of 16, until Haaland came flying in with that header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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