retreat 1 of 2

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
Even if Gilead and its supporters are able to insure equitable access, the U.S government’s retreat from the fight against H.I.V. and AIDS will present new challenges and new infections. Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025 Other options include NoMad London, which has transformed the historic Bow Street Magistrates Court into a true Covent Garden retreat, with rooms arranged around a leafy atrium. Emma John, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025
Verb
Some will retreat from public life, spurning those closest to them in favor of an imaginary narrative woven with these programs. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025 Energy costs reinforced the downward pressure on overall goods pricing, declining 1% monthly as gasoline prices retreated. Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • Hamas has been seeking guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 July 2025
  • After his withdrawal in Connecticut, Hovland headed home to Norway for a break and to play in his best friend Kevin Wright's tournament, the Wright Invitational at Kragerø Golf & Resort, on June 28.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • It’s designed to be a small refuge, a safe place with no strings attached in hopes of gaining trust and offering options.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Before the 1950s, the places where Houston’s fledgling LGBTQ+ community found refuge were scattered.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The result will be an increase in preying on immigrants by the criminal element: robbery, protection scams, sweatshop labor and human trafficking, as the immigrant community withdraws from reliance on no-longer-safe court systems.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
  • The traffic receded as Chicago withdrew into the distance behind me on Interstate 90.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Simmons is then accused of carjacking a vehicle from someone who was at the medical facility and fleeing the scene.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Rising gang violence then led thousands of ordinary Salvadorans to flee to the United States.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Consider exploring plan design options and retirement savings vehicles, such as a cash balance pension plan or individual 401(k).
    Kristin McKenna, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • What makes this level of dedication all the more remarkable is that Dodds is 78, an age when most of his peers are enjoying the fruits of retirement.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • For Gen Z, that might mean skipping the $28 lunch today—and retiring with $800,000 tomorrow.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Rucker played his entire nine-season NFL career with the Panthers before retiring in 2008.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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