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
  • 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
  • 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 27 Jun. 2026.

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