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
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Recent Examples of retreated
While one of them retreated to the back seat, the more mischievous of the pair sat on the driver’s chair, slamming both paws into the steering wheel to activate the horn.
—
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
The strongest lingering image of Vernon in the broader culture is still the bearded woodsman who retreated to the wilderness with a broken heart and returned with a gnomic, insular album that would against all odds come to define its era, or at least one tendency within it.
—Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Housing plays — Stocks linked to the housing market rose as Treasury yields retreated.
—Davis Giangiulio,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
The Dodgers gathered on the field to collect their championship trophy, retreated to the clubhouse to douse themselves in champagne and beer, returned to the field to share the moment with their families, then went back inside to shower and dress.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The nation’s political leaders have retreated to the fringes.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
The tears came and stood alert in his eyes, looked out at the world, then retreated.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Leaving out a major consumer For plus-size shoppers, inclusivity has retreated rapidly in the last few years.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Neither side has retreated from their maximalist claims, signaling that talks could be protracted.
—Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
The strongest lingering image of Vernon in the broader culture is still the bearded woodsman who retreated to the wilderness with a broken heart and returned with a gnomic, insular album that would against all odds come to define its era, or at least one tendency within it.
—Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Housing plays — Stocks linked to the housing market rose as Treasury yields retreated.
—Davis Giangiulio,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
The Dodgers gathered on the field to collect their championship trophy, retreated to the clubhouse to douse themselves in champagne and beer, returned to the field to share the moment with their families, then went back inside to shower and dress.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The nation’s political leaders have retreated to the fringes.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
The tears came and stood alert in his eyes, looked out at the world, then retreated.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Leaving out a major consumer For plus-size shoppers, inclusivity has retreated rapidly in the last few years.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Neither side has retreated from their maximalist claims, signaling that talks could be protracted.
—Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreated
Verb
-
Netflix withdrew from the bidding, leaving Paramount to claim the prize.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Following the Olympics, Liu withdrew from the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships, citing scheduling demands and insufficient preparation time.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Iran is set to begin its campaign against New Zealand on June 15 near Los Angeles, a region that's home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, including many who fled the 1979 Islamic Revolution.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Miller said the suspect then pulled a knife on Andy, attempted to approach the home again, and ultimately drove off in pursuit of the daughter, who had already fled the scene.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Schiller's brother and sister booked an air ambulance, grabbed their brother and bolted out of Miami, heading north -- not a minute too soon.—
Troy Roberts,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
After which, Mara begrudgingly bolted.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Along the coast, exposure to saltwater accelerated corrosion and fuel escaped from the rusty gas tanks and leaky pipes into the groundwater.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The trooper just barely escaped being hit, documents show.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Leatherman ran toward two juvenile bystanders while Selmer ran toward downtown Emmitsburg, according to documents.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Administration officials labeled Good and Pretti domestic terrorists and said Good, who was also behind the wheel of her car when shot, was trying to run officers over.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreated. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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