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
Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In the coming months, the 11-room home will become a destination for graduation gatherings, wellness retreats, girls weekend and a family reunion.
—Angela Palermo
february 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Dana Stangel-Plowe, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
The law, specifically, says that a homeowner does not need to retreat from an intruder before using self-defense, but can rather use lethal force to defend themselves and their property.
—Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In the coming months, the 11-room home will become a destination for graduation gatherings, wellness retreats, girls weekend and a family reunion.
—Angela Palermo
february 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
Students became more curious, thoughtful and willing to engage with one another rather than retreat into opposing camps.
—Dana Stangel-Plowe, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
The law, specifically, says that a homeowner does not need to retreat from an intruder before using self-defense, but can rather use lethal force to defend themselves and their property.
—Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
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These include strong, sometimes uncontrollable urges and withdrawal to qualify as addiction.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
There's no upfront tax break for after-tax contributions, but earnings are subject to taxes upon withdrawal.—
Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And, showcasing their awesome, frightening power, one avalanche derailed a train in Switzerland on Monday, injuring five on board, while another swept through a refuge on a French mountainside earlier this month, shattering windows and dumping snowdrifts inside the building’s kitchen.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Amid its evolution into a shopping and dining powerhouse, the neighborhood long craved a calm refuge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
By April, Kabila’s new government was persuaded by the IMF and the World Bank to withdraw from the contract with Gertler after only eight months.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Lupel continued working to get Dotson’s rape conviction overturned until withdrawing as his attorney in 1986.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, losses are mounting on the frontlines, and millions of people who have fled as refugees have now settled abroad.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The driver who hit the woman fled the scene before police arrived.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Even maximizing retirement contributions should be questioned when carrying high interest debt.—
Joanna Rotenberg,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
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As part of the shake-up that includes Spencer’s retirement and Sharma’s promotion, Microsoft Gaming will also see Xbox president Sarah Bond exit the company and Matt Booty promoted to chief content officer.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At Hamadan Airbase in western Iran, craters created by bombs on the runway have been filled and aircraft shelters repaired, according to a CNN analysis and Lair.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Local shelters might also accept donations of fresh and canned foods, particularly during the holiday season.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Doug and Big Jane eventually retired down in San Antonio, close to their boys.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
-
La Shelle Dozier, SHRA’s longest serving executive director, retired in October.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Eco effort La Sultana Oualidia’s planet-friendly approach prioritizes a dynamic impact on its local environment without ever feeling showy, and many of their most meaningful initiatives may fly under the radar even for guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
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City facilities were lit in blue and red overnight, the city's flag will fly at half-staff all day and three wreaths will be on display at City Hall for 24 hours.—
Anthony Bettin,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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