retreat 1 of 2

Definition of retreatnext
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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retreat
Noun
That was a puzzle for Marie, at least at first, given that the objective was to evoke the mood of a beach retreat rather than that of a mountain chalet. Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 Warsh’s retreat from transparency carries more downside risk than upside. Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
Memory stocks — Other memory stocks retreated alongside Micron, turning negative on the session. Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Then, as Micron’s construction wraps, forecasts call for revenue from development fees to retreat below current levels in the 2030 fiscal year. Mark Dee june 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • The two countries will agree to future pilot zones for Israel’s eventual withdrawal, the agreement says.
    Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • The tradeoff is that withdrawals are taxed.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • The event will have medical areas for people who may have a health emergency and cooling buses throughout the parade route for people to get refuge from the heat.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • Tucked along the Green River, not far from the Utah-Wyoming border, the refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species like the bald eagle.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Ballot measure proponents had a Thursday evening deadline to withdraw their proposals.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Patients might be women in their 30s with an autoimmune disease like lupus or people of any age exposed to such toxins as methamphetamines or, in the past, the fen-phen appetite suppressant drug of the 1990s, later withdrawn after being linked to heart disease.
    Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Thousands of migrants are fleeing South Africa as the country braces for violence after an anti-immigrant group set a Tuesday deadline for all undocumented migrants to leave.
    Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 28 June 2026
  • The New York governor fled in humiliation.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • New recruits must work years to equal starting pay at nearby departments, and retirement benefits only kick in after 30 years, compared to 20 years elsewhere, Weiner said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Seniors can expect expenses of $730,000 and income of $521,000 in retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • As agencies continue to assess the damage, the immediate needs include search and rescue, emergency shelter for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and emergency healthcare, including trauma care and psychosocial support, the Red Cross said.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • For the price of one night in a hotel, this $250 pop-up shelter gives you endless nights of cozy glamping.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Anguay succeeds Paul Lau, a 45-year veteran of the utility who in January announced his intention to retire.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • Lord retired the first two batters in the ninth before Turner singled and Marsh homered to right.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Last year, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets (Sunny and Gizmo) were about a month older during the fireworks show and had already grown enough feathers to fly away from the nest.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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