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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of retreated
Unsurprisngly, Meg White, who retreated from public life and hasn’t been heard from for over a decade, was a no-show.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
People retreated in fear that more would come.
—Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The hot weather retreated and a series of tropical storms drenched the area.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But images taken by satellite and plane between November and December 2022 indicate that the glacier retreated nearly half a mile per day at some points, according to the paper.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025
But between November and December 2022, Hektoria retreated by 5 miles, according to the study published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In the time since, many have retreated; not just in fashion, but across industries.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
Lawrence, once an interview-show staple, has retreated from the spotlight in recent years, choosing her movie roles sparingly and closely guarding her private life.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn proposed softer water rate hikes of either 5% or 10% in 2026 but retreated when city staff and the IBA said those proposals would require mass layoffs and threaten the city’s credit rating.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025
People retreated in fear that more would come.
—Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The hot weather retreated and a series of tropical storms drenched the area.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
But images taken by satellite and plane between November and December 2022 indicate that the glacier retreated nearly half a mile per day at some points, according to the paper.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025
But between November and December 2022, Hektoria retreated by 5 miles, according to the study published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In the time since, many have retreated; not just in fashion, but across industries.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
Lawrence, once an interview-show staple, has retreated from the spotlight in recent years, choosing her movie roles sparingly and closely guarding her private life.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn proposed softer water rate hikes of either 5% or 10% in 2026 but retreated when city staff and the IBA said those proposals would require mass layoffs and threaten the city’s credit rating.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreated
Verb
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Former North Crowley standout Ka’Morreun Pimpton also withdrew his name from the portal Sunday.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) withdrew its troops last week following a deadline from Saudi Arabia.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The suspects fled the scene, last seen heading northbound on Kedzie Avenue in a sedan, police said.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Stella alleged that a small black hatchback vehicle struck her state police cruiser and then fled the scene.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple key coordinators and assistants agreed to contracts with LSU shortly after Kiffin bolted from the Rebels, including offensive coordinator Weis, tight ends coach/co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, and wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator George McDonald.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The Wolverines bolted out to an 11-0 lead thanks to a defense that forced six early turnovers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bella escaped her family’s Houston, Texas, backyard on a rainy New Year's Eve in 2020.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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The boyfriend and two of the girls died, but the youngest sister escaped.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Two Heat starters also ran into foul trouble early on, as Michell and Wiggins were each called for two fouls within the first six minutes of the contest.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, renewing the long-running debate over the league’s greatest player.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreated. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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