Synonyms of retreat

retreat 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈtrēt 

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

• withdrawal
• retirement
• pullout
• pullback
• recession
• rout
• recoil
• disengagement
• revulsion
• shrinking
• flinch
• disentanglement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• advancement

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

• refuge
• shelter
• sanctuary
• haven
• residence
• asylum
• oasis
• lodging
• harbor
• bolt-hole
• sanctum
• abode
• hideout
• dwelling
• rest
• housing
• harborage
• quarters
• house
• port
• anchorage
• fortress
• stronghold
• domicile
• place
• mooring
• hideaway
• fort
• roof
• screen
• cloister
• den
• habitation
• castle
• lair
• pad
• cover
• closet
• shed
• hermitage
• diggings
• palisade
• redoubt
• lodgment
• lee
• windbreak
• covert
• fastness
• lean-to

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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

• withdraw
• retire
• flee
• fall back
• pull out
• recede
• evacuate
• drop back
• give way
• back away
• lose ground
• fly
• leave
• give ground
• flinch
• recoil
• shrink
• detach
• go
• chicken (out)
• disengage
• pull away
• abandon
• depart
• climb down
• vacate
• backtrack
• bow out
• back down
• quit
• disentangle
• backpedal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• confront
• face
• breast
• dare
• beard
• brave
• defy
• outbrave
• brazen

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

• flee
• fly
• escape
• bolt
• run
• break
• run away
• beat a retreat
• run off
• skedaddle
• hightail (it)
• turn tail
• beat it
• bug out
• make tracks
• get (away)
• get out
• abscond
• skip (out)
• decamp
• clear out
• elope
• scram
• make off
• light out
• scat
• lam
• skirr
• scarper
• mizzle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confront
• dare
• face
• beard
• stay
• defy
• remain
• brave
• dwell
• linger
• abide
• hang around
• stick around
• tarry

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retreat

Noun

For those who believe the perfect Hamptons getaway begins at the water’s edge, don’t miss this impeccable bay-front retreat in Sag Harbor. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

For the growing number of tourists exploring or returning to some of Italy’s most popular destinations, this unusual collection of boutique luxury hotels provides a memorable warm and welcoming retreat. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

Start with energy markets and the fear of disruption to oil and gas exports if the United States retreats. — Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

Family offices' interest in renewable energy and sustainability has largely endured even as many traditional investors have retreated. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing retreat

• beat a retreat