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
Western forces have largely beat a hasty retreat from Africa’s coup-prone Sahel region in recent years. Kaitlyn Rabe, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 Recently, students in the program enjoyed a yacht party and a special weekend retreat to celebrate their yearly accomplishments. Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Verb
Princess Kate retreated from the public eye after her abdominal surgery in early 2024 to recover. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 But then, like debris from an exploding Starship rocket, shares started to fall — retreating all the way back to around $200 by the close of the day. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • Reynoso said suspicious bank activity and withdrawals were made to their accounts.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Any changes result in the early withdrawal penalty applied retroactively to the very first payment.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The tree is said to have sheltered Robin Hood, the legendary 13th-century bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and took refuge in the forest when being pursued by the sheriff of Nottingham.
    Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • But Germany, too, denied his request for refuge.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The ceasefire in the MOU extends to a halt in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, requiring Israel to withdraw from Lebanon under a final deal that Trump hopes to reach within 60 days.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Garcia said some students have disengaged from campus life or withdrawn from classes altogether.
    Valentina Toro, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Aegon, who was burned and crippled in Season 2, fled with Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), leaving his cruel, one-eyed brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) to sit on the Iron Throne.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • Parsis are their descendants, a people who fled religious persecution and built a life for themselves on India’s west coast.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The stock market's near record highs, swelling 401(k)s and other retirement account balances.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The city is clamoring to clinch one of two league expansion spots by Manfred’s retirement in 2029, taking the number of teams from 30 to 32.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • The agency also pays for 10 shelter beds at the Gateway Center and Salvation Army.
    Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • From a box-score perspective, Brind’Amour’s case ranks similarly to that of Rick Tocchet, Bill Guerin and Ray Whitney, who are all unlikely to be inducted given other sure-thing candidates about to retire around the league.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Silverton has trailblazed a career through the food industry, but has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • And no team is going to break away from training camp to fly across the country to visit the White House.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Alana’s ideas don’t fly all the time.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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