1
as in withdrawal
an act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
we made a strategic retreat when we realized that we were outnumbered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her bedroom served as a retreat from the frequent arguing between her parents the abandoned cabin was a welcome retreat from the storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to withdraw
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flee
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 retreat
Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Venis and his friends Randall (Steve Carell), Hugo (Jason Schwartzman) and Jeff (Ramy Youssef) watch the world go up in flames from their phones, safe at a snowy weekend retreat at Hugo’s home in Utah.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
Alex Harring,brian Evans, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely. retreats 2-6 in its second week (just over 7,000; down 81%), Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX climbs 8-7 (7,000; up 6%) and P1Harmony’s DUH! dips 3-6 in its second week (nearly 7,000; down 69%).
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The compact structures make great guest houses, home offices, or creative retreats.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Venis and his friends Randall (Steve Carell), Hugo (Jason Schwartzman) and Jeff (Ramy Youssef) watch the world go up in flames from their phones, safe at a snowy weekend retreat at Hugo’s home in Utah.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
Verb
Other stocks that logged losses include Nissan Motor which retreated 2.47%, Mitsubishi Motors which fell 2.27% and Honda Motor which was down 1.37%.
—Alex Harring,brian Evans, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely. retreats 2-6 in its second week (just over 7,000; down 81%), Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX climbs 8-7 (7,000; up 6%) and P1Harmony’s DUH! dips 3-6 in its second week (nearly 7,000; down 69%).
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Roth IRAs, on the other hand, are funded with after-tax dollars and offer no immediate tax break, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The agency then sought public input to determine if the mineral withdrawal should move forward.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
The refuge remains critically important for the long-term survival of imperiled Florida manatees.—
Ragan Whitlock,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
Melancholy, mischievous, weighty and hedonistic at once, Jis and his existentialist musings formed an entire universe that acted as a refuge for the weary and delightfully depraved.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
Mercedes-Benz withdrew its guidance for the rest of 2025, citing volatility caused by the tariffs, and Volkswagen lowered its profit margin expectations to between 5% and 6%.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
During questioning by Hildreth, Lee described withdrawing a total of $1,500 from ATMs in Vegas, with a bank statement listing the three withdrawals over two days.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
The family fled Colombia in 2002, leaving behind comfort and status.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
-
Hardin fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, through a secure entryway on May 25 wearing a fake law enforcement uniform.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Mellanby, whose specialized brand of extermination fueled the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals, announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
Roberts recently announced his retirement after 14 years at KU and 37 years total. Vaughn, 50, is ready to re-embrace the college game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
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Architect Marina Tabassum’s 2025 Serpentine Pavilion is a meditation on shelter, climate and community—a place for gathering, reflection, and imagining new ways of being together in public space.—
Nargess Banks,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Jones wrapped up his 12-year NFL career with a one-season stint at the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2019.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
-
Evans then retired the next batter to keep the game tied.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Fifty aircraft including combat helicopters will fly overhead.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2025
-
Boasting a near-perfect audience score, Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon flew to an impressive $11.1 million in previews.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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