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
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
Coe reportedly was hospitalized several years ago with Covid-19 and had mostly retreated from public appearances since then, though it is not known whether Covid played a part in his passing.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
After the goring, the animal retreated back into the reserve when scared off by other patrol members.
—Ryan Brennan
april 27, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Another team member suffered minor injuries, and the rhino retreated back into the reserve unharmed.
—Ryan Brennan
april 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Shares retreated in Asia and oil prices gained on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war once again appeared to stall.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
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
Coe reportedly was hospitalized several years ago with Covid-19 and had mostly retreated from public appearances since then, though it is not known whether Covid played a part in his passing.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
After the goring, the animal retreated back into the reserve when scared off by other patrol members.
—Ryan Brennan
april 27, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Another team member suffered minor injuries, and the rhino retreated back into the reserve unharmed.
—Ryan Brennan
april 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Shares retreated in Asia and oil prices gained on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war once again appeared to stall.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreated
Verb
-
Days after four Republican candidates withdrew from the upcoming Platte County election and launched independent campaigns, the county’s Republican committee announced plans to censure those candidates and deem them unwelcome within the party.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
-
Polling from March shows Becerra with just 3% of the vote, indicating a 7-point increase for Becerra between then and Emerson’s most recent survey, conducted right after Swalwell withdrew.—
Douglas Schoen,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Semrade fled the station immediately after the attack, leaving Ozsoy critically injured on the platform.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
After shooting Ligdis in the head, Kendall fled the area, leaving his son behind with his dying mother.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
7 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
-
Last night, the Knicks barely escaped over the 76ers, and the Spurs blew out the Timberwolves.—
David Troy,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
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In another case, a female monkey escaped her cage due to a welding failure, according to the inspection report.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
7 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 14 May. 2026.
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