Thesaurus

retreat

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of retreat

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for retreat

Words Related to retreat

rout

Antonyms for retreat

2 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 for retreat

Words Related to retreat

oasis

cover,
screen

retreat

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of retreat (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for retreat

Words Related to retreat

flee,
fly

chicken (out)

bow out

Phrases Synonymous with retreat

Near Antonyms for retreat

Antonyms for retreat

advance

2 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 for retreat

Words Related to retreat

abscond,
clear out,
decamp,
elope,
escape,
get (away),
get out,
lam,
light out,
make off,
mizzle
[chiefly British],
scarper
[British],
scat,
scram,
skip (out),
skirr

Phrases Synonymous with retreat

Near Antonyms for retreat

Frequently Asked Questions About retreat

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