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
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
Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The omnipresent threat of drones could complicate any Ukrainian retreat effort, which would likely see Kyiv's troops attempt to break out to the west of the city using its under-fire supply routes.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
With his unique falsetto, emotional delivery and irresistible backstory — retreating to a cabin in the woods following a pair of personal and professional breakups to record in solitude — Bon Iver earned significant industry respect and a devoted cult following.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Despite the chaos unfolding around her, Pelosi never seemed like a leader in retreat.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The omnipresent threat of drones could complicate any Ukrainian retreat effort, which would likely see Kyiv's troops attempt to break out to the west of the city using its under-fire supply routes.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
The series then retreats to 2019 to trace the circumstances that led to these killings, building toward the inevitability of Maggie and Paul’s death and filtering the whole family through a lens of catastrophe, where every member is either ill-fated or devious.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
With his unique falsetto, emotional delivery and irresistible backstory — retreating to a cabin in the woods following a pair of personal and professional breakups to record in solitude — Bon Iver earned significant industry respect and a devoted cult following.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Soon after being sworn into office, his new secretary of defense, Peter Hegseth, warned NATO to prepare for American troop withdrawals from Europe.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign in September, remains on the ballot as an Independent due to his late withdrawal.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Best Hotels & Resorts Pousada do Vale Just a short walk from Noronha’s historic center, Pousada do Vale is a lush, garden-like refuge with a lovely spa.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The 1961 film marked Buñuel’s return to filmmaking in Spain, which was then well into Francisco Franco’s reign as dictator, after more than two decades of taking refuge in the United States and directing features in Mexico.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
After occupying Sinai, Britain and France succumbed to international pressure and withdrew their forces from Egypt in November.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics withdrew its guidance that said potential allergens should be avoided for high-risk babies, but didn’t have enough data to recommend introducing them early.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Three were sprawling refugee camps near el-Fasher that have emptied as RSF troops advanced, with most people fleeing into el-Fasher or nearby towns.—
NPR,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The film, written by Barbosa alongside Werner Salles, is set in 1695 and sees a family of slaves organize a rebellion to flee in search of the utopian Quilombo dos Palmares following a call from the spiritual helm.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige If a cold-weather climate is conducive to your retirement needs, Trento, capital of the province of Trentino, may just be your ideal wintry mix.—
Elizabeth Heath,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Yes, Social Security payments, including Supplemental Security Income and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue during a government shutdown.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
While deputies searched the shelter, a man fell through the ceiling and was immediately detained, Enriquez said.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Samaritan’s Purse has pledged 42 ambulances, 28 of them armored, to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, and is supporting 11 major construction projects, including ambulance response stations and community centers equipped with bomb shelters.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Raimondo Orsi had already gone back to Argentina to look after his sick mother, and Luis Monti had retired.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The airline said customers looking for a refund on any flight can get one, even if flying basic economy or with a non-refundable ticket.—
Rachel Scott,
ABC News,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The trailer, soundtracked by a lilting piano melody, reveals the basic premise of the film, which focuses on a young boy named Arco from a distant and peaceful future, where humans live in the sky and use rainbow suits to fly through the air.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share