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
Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Around Walt Disney World, guests can also take part in patriotic celebrations with special performances from the Voices of Liberty and the Portraits of Courage gallery at EPCOT, plus see the flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
As Aiyuk retreated to the shadows, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers voided $27 million in guarantees for 2026, but that was done prior to training camp in late July, reportedly because of Aiyuk’s failure to comply with the 49ers’ rehabilitation plans.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Long Beach has evolved into a bustling coastal retreat but still holds fast to traditions like eating fried clams and digging into Italian ices on a hot day.
—Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Around Walt Disney World, guests can also take part in patriotic celebrations with special performances from the Voices of Liberty and the Portraits of Courage gallery at EPCOT, plus see the flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Verb
Tortorello said O’Mara would say Mass in the morning with the sisters, the students and staff, and also presided over the large, all-school masses and the Kairos retreats.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
As Aiyuk retreated to the shadows, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers voided $27 million in guarantees for 2026, but that was done prior to training camp in late July, reportedly because of Aiyuk’s failure to comply with the 49ers’ rehabilitation plans.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
For example, stopping antidepressants or anxiety medication can lead to severe worsening of the condition or potentially dangerous withdrawals.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Generally, earnings can be withdrawn after age 59½ without taxes or penalties — and there are certain exceptions to the 10% penalty on earnings withdrawals before that age.—
Jessica Dickler,Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
This artistic refuge showcases a variety of designs, colors, and textures with pollinator-friendly plants like wildflowers, grasses, a vegetable garden, and fruit trees.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
6 June 2026
-
From a distance, other systems appeared more humane, more rational — a refuge from our own frustrations.—
Nisha Narayanan,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
Hulst and Toomey decided to withdraw from the mile at the State meet.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Generally, the pre-tax money that’s deposited in traditional IRAs cannot be withdrawn before age 59½ without paying a 10% early-withdrawal tax penalty, unless an exception is met.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
These seven episodes chronicle Louis’s seduction, his tumultuous affair with Lestat, Claudia’s turning, and Louis and Claudia’s attempt to murder their maker and escape a violent home life by fleeing to Europe.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
7 June 2026
-
Footage that circulated on social media appeared to capture festivalgoers fleeing from the shots as chaos erupted.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Looking at what the department could offer officers for competitive salaries and retirement is critical to retention, Carranza said.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
-
Finally, somebody is getting forced out of a job and into an early retirement who actually deserves it!—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
-
Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The Pirates had just one more hit off Lauer who retired 15 of the next 16 batters after the back-to-back home runs.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
-
Baker retired Masataka Yoshida and Gasper in order to finish things off.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
-
The Cougars came out of the gate flying, with Ani Woodard registering a hat trick and Emma Whoriskey and Taylor Watts adding goals in the opening frame.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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