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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Its small size is just right for visiting in-laws and can be assembled in your backyard for a private at-home retreat.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025
Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
The police scanner feeds are a prime source of transparency around cop activity, but in the coming months the Oakland Police Department will retreat into its own private, encrypted channels — out of sight from the public.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Prince Louis has not been seen publicly yet in 2025 after the Wales family swerved their usual visit to church in Windsor on Easter Sunday in favor of remaining at Anmer Hall, their country retreat on the Sandringham Estate in the east of England.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Its small size is just right for visiting in-laws and can be assembled in your backyard for a private at-home retreat.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
When marchers retreated to the temple, police fired tear gas inside.
—Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
The police scanner feeds are a prime source of transparency around cop activity, but in the coming months the Oakland Police Department will retreat into its own private, encrypted channels — out of sight from the public.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
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But, while one side sees federal withdrawal as the lever to make that happen, the other warns that such moves risk creating a two-tier disaster system, one for the wealthy, one for the vulnerable.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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For football fans who have been having withdrawals every Sunday (Thursday and Mondays too), the real action is still months away, but at least tomorrow’s NFL Draft can satisfy the itch a little while longer.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Albert Schweitzer, meanwhile, transformed its Cholera Treatment Center into a refuge for those fleeing the violence and after helping Mirebalais’ doctors and nurses flee, provided meals and housing.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
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And further, global investors may feel less inclined to automatically choose the U.S. as their refuge.—
Carrie McCabe,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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But with so much uncertainty over both macroeconomic conditions and trade policies, many companies have been giving downbeat second-quarter forecasts and have been withdrawing or balking at revising their full-year projections.—
Lisa Kailai Han,Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The pair then flee into the building’s stairwell, but a wounded, knife-wielding Jimenez follows hot on their tails and another struggle ensues that ends as the victim succumbs to his wounds.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2025
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Six months later, in May 2024, CNN published footage from a security camera at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles showing Ventura fleeing a room, only to be attacked by Combs, who is seen wearing a white towel around his waist and socks.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Employees at the Environmental Protection Agency got another nudge toward the door in an email offering a second chance at voluntary retirement or deferred resignation.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Final Thoughts Securing your retirement requires preparation, flexibility, and foresight.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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That someone ended up being Gary, who only shared his first name, a volunteer who paid a visit to the shelter back in October.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Sharpe retired in 2003 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
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The 65-year-old pension fund, which counts many of the country’s current and retired academics as clients, has been a big investor in companies with strong climate and human-rights credentials.—
Lara Jakes,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honor.—
Darlene Superville,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Listen to this article 2 min The final day of the 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and these next four rounds will fly by with prospects hoping a dream calls their name to join them.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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