1
as in withdrew
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fled
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 retreated
In fact, the company had filed papers twice before but then retreated from the idea as different private equity investors came forward to further fund the company.
—
Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
The crossover funds retreated when the market corrected.
—Harlem Capital, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Since Qualcomm’s short position peaked in notional terms on May 12, the number of shares sold short has edged higher while the stock price has retreated, S3 data showed.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Gitesatani then walked away and retreated into the crowd, the indictment says.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Djena broke free and retreated into Rema’s room.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The show also marks the comeback of Scott Rudin, the superstar producer who retreated from Broadway following multiple allegations of bullying and abuse in 2021.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026
Gitesatani then walked away and retreated into the crowd, the indictment contends.
—City News Service, Daily News, 18 May 2026
Over the last four years, carriers have retreated from the state entirely or have paused writing new policies.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
The crossover funds retreated when the market corrected.
—Harlem Capital, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Since Qualcomm’s short position peaked in notional terms on May 12, the number of shares sold short has edged higher while the stock price has retreated, S3 data showed.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Gitesatani then walked away and retreated into the crowd, the indictment says.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Djena broke free and retreated into Rema’s room.
—Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The show also marks the comeback of Scott Rudin, the superstar producer who retreated from Broadway following multiple allegations of bullying and abuse in 2021.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026
Gitesatani then walked away and retreated into the crowd, the indictment contends.
—City News Service, Daily News, 18 May 2026
Over the last four years, carriers have retreated from the state entirely or have paused writing new policies.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreated
Verb
-
McMahon did not publicly weigh in during UF’s previous presidential search, which collapsed after Ono withdrew amid conservative backlash over his support for DEI programs and other policies while president of the University of Michigan.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2026
-
The winner of the general election will replace incumbent Ada County Treasurer Elizabeth Mahn, who withdrew from the race after registering in March.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Tanya Veluz fled the Eaton Fire with her 10-year-old as ash and embers rained down.—
Aarne Heikkila,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
-
Refugees fled south as communist troops stormed down Highway 1, heading for the nation’s capital, Saigon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The company contrasts this with many other AI assistants, which are often bolted onto existing tools.—
Ellen Sheng,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
As soon as the friend left the room, Panettiere bolted.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Stray bits of hair escaped my ponytail and stung my eyes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
-
The injured duckling was treated at a veterinary clinic while the other ducklings escaped the area with the mother duck.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
International visitors will undoubtedly flock to run the famous Rocky steps, before taking a bite of one of the city’s iconic cheesesteaks at Geno’s.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The desire for immortality is really a desire for liberation from the claustrophobia of our own minds, not a physiological discovery about how to keep our bodies running longer.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreated. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
