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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retreat
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
The bar, a popular feature on Virgin’s aircraft, will be phased out on the 787s by 2030 with the addition of retreat suites, Weiss said.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
The stock market retreated on Monday as the U.S. announced new tariff rates on key trading partners.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The seven-acre estate first opened its doors back in 1918; since then, its 90 rooms have play host to many an Old Hollywood star, including Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, and Carole Lombard, as the ultimate secluded retreat, the Los Angeles Times reported.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
The bar, a popular feature on Virgin’s aircraft, will be phased out on the 787s by 2030 with the addition of retreat suites, Weiss said.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Verb
In addition, the royal family usually retreats to Balmoral Castle, their Scottish estate, in the summer.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
The stock market retreated on Monday as the U.S. announced new tariff rates on key trading partners.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Explore strategies life Roth conversions or strategic withdrawals to maximize tax efficiency.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
That means there are fewer tax planning opportunities compared with traditional and Roth IRAs, where there's either a tax break on contributions or on withdrawals.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Some 600 people, most of them children, were given refuge in the church before it was struck, the Patriarchate said in a statement Thursday.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
-
Johnston Atoll, an unincorporated US territory and Pacific island wildlife refuge with a complicated military history, will no longer become a SpaceX reusable rocket test site, Popular Science reports.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Stanley said crews were initially able to fight the fire near a chlorine leak at a water treatment facility, but eventually had to withdraw due to safety concerns for pilots who could breathe toxic fumes.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
-
Topline Half of the roughly 4,000 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles last month amid immigration raid protests will be withdrawn, the Trump administration announced Tuesday, calling off the soldiers weeks after California Gov. Gavin Newsom unsuccessfully tried to block their deployment.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
In July 1987, flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County forced hundreds of people to flee the area.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
In June, the U.N. said, more than 147,000 people fled their homes in the central region, once a bastion of safety for those trying to escape the horrors of the capital.—
Jacqueline Charles
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The administration is proceeding with offers of early retirement, buyouts, and deferred resignation to federal civil servants.—
Chad Kirchner,
ArsTechnica,
21 July 2025
-
Appearing on the latest episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd, released Monday, July 21, the 48-year-old star revealed that his desire for normalcy in a family of entertainers led to his early retirement from the entertainment industry.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Whether that be seeking mental health help from Beacon Mental, one of The Center’s program partners, or going to a shelter, sometimes people have a waiting period or no way to get to the receiving entity.—
Alecia Taylor,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
-
Merle sold his barbershop the same day and retired.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The scene concludes with a lot of digital images flying up on the screen and some positively insane synthesizer music from composer Ennio Morricone.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
-
The group was exchanged for more than 250 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. and flown in March to El Salvador's high-security prison.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share