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
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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
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Recent Examples of retreated
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
In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 May 2026
When he was diagnosed with dyslexia — a condition his father also manages — King retreated inward.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
European defense names retreated after Middle East peace talks, which lifted markets last week, appeared to have stalled.
—Hugh Leask,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Frank Sinatra entertained at his Twin Palms estate; Marilyn Monroe retreated here between films, and Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in an A-frame hideaway steps from downtown.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 8 May 2026
After 20 minutes or so, the protesters retreated.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
The teachers retreated, some taking cover in the room.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Tatum briefly retreated toward the locker room during the third quarter of the Celtics’ 106-93 defeat at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday night.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
In an attempt to spark inspiration for a new Little Death origin story, Kris pays a visit to the present-day Billy, played by a regal, knowing Gillian Anderson, who retreated from public life after that first installment and whom Kris hopes to persuade to appear in her reboot.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 May 2026
When he was diagnosed with dyslexia — a condition his father also manages — King retreated inward.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
European defense names retreated after Middle East peace talks, which lifted markets last week, appeared to have stalled.
—Hugh Leask,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Frank Sinatra entertained at his Twin Palms estate; Marilyn Monroe retreated here between films, and Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in an A-frame hideaway steps from downtown.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 8 May 2026
After 20 minutes or so, the protesters retreated.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
The teachers retreated, some taking cover in the room.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
Tatum briefly retreated toward the locker room during the third quarter of the Celtics’ 106-93 defeat at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday night.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreated
Verb
-
Indeed, Paramount+ withdrew from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland in 2022 to make way for SkyShowtime.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
After the student protests against him, Schapiro withdrew from giving his speech at Georgetown.—
Jonathan Zimmerman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 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
-
Though how Kiffin bolted Ole Miss for LSU, walking out when his team was on the verge of competing for a national championship, seemed to epitomize the larger tensions.—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
-
Surveillance video shows the pair tried to steal the ATM, which is bolted to the floor inside, before giving up.—
Tara Molina,
CBS News,
11 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
-
What wasn’t in the plan was that Durkin, who’s also a baseball player for the Eagles, would suffer a minor groin injury running the bases during Monday’s 7-6 win over Homewood-Flossmoor.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Kelly, a four-year starter for South Lake, showed his ability to run the football and gained over 60 yards in the first game.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreated. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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