1
as in withdrawing
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 fleeing
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 retreating
The pact also included staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.
—
David R. Martin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Gosling has a way of retreating into a silence more emotionally eloquent than the film’s occasionally clunky dialogue.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
That was the pitch to voters made for years by MAGA influencers who promised nothing was more morally imperative than America retreating from the world.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Pearson said residents should avoid retreating when they’re approached by an aggressive turkey.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
At the opening, Natalie, bored and filled with loathing for her parents, flees her family home by retreating into imaginary worlds of vivid, eroticized violence.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing more luxurious than retreating into a space that feels like an exclusive spa at home, whether that space is created in a primary bathroom or an outdoor living space.
—Jackson Design and Remodeling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
No one suggested retreating inside.
—Marin Wolf — Boston Globe, STAT, 30 Dec. 2025
Gold's resilience was demonstrated by its quick recovery after retreating from a previous peak of $4,381 in October, when the rally was seen as overheated.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
David R. Martin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Gosling has a way of retreating into a silence more emotionally eloquent than the film’s occasionally clunky dialogue.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
That was the pitch to voters made for years by MAGA influencers who promised nothing was more morally imperative than America retreating from the world.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Pearson said residents should avoid retreating when they’re approached by an aggressive turkey.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
At the opening, Natalie, bored and filled with loathing for her parents, flees her family home by retreating into imaginary worlds of vivid, eroticized violence.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing more luxurious than retreating into a space that feels like an exclusive spa at home, whether that space is created in a primary bathroom or an outdoor living space.
—Jackson Design and Remodeling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
No one suggested retreating inside.
—Marin Wolf — Boston Globe, STAT, 30 Dec. 2025
Gold's resilience was demonstrated by its quick recovery after retreating from a previous peak of $4,381 in October, when the rally was seen as overheated.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreating
Verb
-
But again, no school can prevent a player from withdrawing and enrolling elsewhere.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
With his previous attorney withdrawing from the case, arraignment was postponed Wednesday for Rob Reiner’s youngest son, who is charged with murdering the famed filmmaker and his photographer wife Michele in their Brentwood home.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Investigators said the suspect fired into the vehicle, striking the victim, before fleeing the scene.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Morrow said the driver stopped briefly before fleeing.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Owners Luke Petit and his wife Sue are going to be retiring and moving to Wisconsin to be nearer to some of their grandkids.—
Tom Strong,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
-
After 2 1/2 seasons as head coach of the Chargers, Al Saunders finished his distinguished career as an assistant with seven other NFL teams, retiring in 2018.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Hall was in net when Boston's Bobby Orr scored in overtime to win the Cup for the Bruins in 1970, a goal that's among the most famous in hockey history because of the flying through the air celebration that followed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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While some travelers praise the trend for reducing stress and avoiding baggage fees, others say flying without bags is unrealistic for longer trips or work travel.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Moments later, bodycam video shows Hairston suddenly bolting from deputies, stumbling into the road and engaging in a struggle with deputies.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The police footage shows the man turning and bolting away from officers before quickly tripping over his own feet just a few steps past his car.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dahl noted that while conditions are expected to weaken through Tuesday, a high-speed stream (HSS) – escaping solar winds from coronal holes on the sun – could influence our atmosphere and create geomagnetic storming conditions.—
Addy Bink,
The Hill,
20 Jan. 2026
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There appears to be no escaping the flood of attacks against social media users this last week or so.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The attention has also led to a few funny moments, including running into friends and colleagues who were shocked to recognize the family from a viral video.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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These running sneakers are perfect for anyone running or walking long distances.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreating. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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