1
as in withdrawals
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 refuges
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 withdraws
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 flees
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 retreats
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In the coming months, the 11-room home will become a destination for graduation gatherings, wellness retreats, girls weekend and a family reunion.
—Angela Palermo
february 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
That order triggered a wave of retreats across corporate America.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Carolyn opens up to Michael a little, but retreats from explicit affection.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The event is a reminder that Canyon Ranch, one of the gold standards in wellness retreats, is building a new property in Austin — just a day trip away!
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Over the years, the pair has assembled a real estate portfolio anchored by a compound in Calabasas, California, and complemented by everything from island retreats in Hawaii to suburban hideaways in Maryland.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
The group holds yearly men’s retreats in cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and Atlanta.
—Kamal Morgan
february 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Menopause retreats at properties with spas take that tension-melting vibe a step further.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Less well defined is the character of Miss Delavigne, although she’s wonderfully portrayed by Englert, who retreats into this mousy persona.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
The video shows Rummler dropping to the ground, holding his face as the crowd retreats.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
After he has been raped, a young man retreats into a world of silence and isolation.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026
Brunson retreats and ultimately turns the ball over on a pass to Miles McBride.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
As Washington retreats from multilateralism and becomes more consumed by domestic polarization, Beijing will continue to exploit opportunities to advance its own geopolitical goals.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Noun
The backstory Sitting on the site of a former sugar and coconut plantation from the late 1790s, the sprawling property encompasses the resort, as well as 39 private rental retreats and 80 residential units.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
In the coming months, the 11-room home will become a destination for graduation gatherings, wellness retreats, girls weekend and a family reunion.
—Angela Palermo
february 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
That order triggered a wave of retreats across corporate America.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Carolyn opens up to Michael a little, but retreats from explicit affection.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The event is a reminder that Canyon Ranch, one of the gold standards in wellness retreats, is building a new property in Austin — just a day trip away!
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Over the years, the pair has assembled a real estate portfolio anchored by a compound in Calabasas, California, and complemented by everything from island retreats in Hawaii to suburban hideaways in Maryland.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
The group holds yearly men’s retreats in cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and Atlanta.
—Kamal Morgan
february 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Menopause retreats at properties with spas take that tension-melting vibe a step further.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Less well defined is the character of Miss Delavigne, although she’s wonderfully portrayed by Englert, who retreats into this mousy persona.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
The video shows Rummler dropping to the ground, holding his face as the crowd retreats.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
After he has been raped, a young man retreats into a world of silence and isolation.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026
Brunson retreats and ultimately turns the ball over on a pass to Miles McBride.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
As Washington retreats from multilateralism and becomes more consumed by domestic polarization, Beijing will continue to exploit opportunities to advance its own geopolitical goals.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats
Noun
-
The same is true for withdrawals from 529 college savings plans owned by non-custodial relatives.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
There is no penalty if the withdrawals are used for a qualifying expense, such as education, birth or adoption, eligible medical expenses or a first-time home purchase.—
Virginia Hammerle,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Manatee Season Central Florida from December through March When Florida waters start to cool in the winter, mammalian manatees make their way to warm refuges like freshwater springs and power plant outflows.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Nearby barrier islands like Sanibel, Cabbage Key, and Captiva add to the appeal, with scenic bike paths, wildlife refuges, and smaller communities that feel residential rather than resort-driven.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Antonio Delgado withdraws from New York governor race after Mamdani backs Hochul.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
As the Church withdraws its sanction, the exorcists must confront the demonic force alone, pushing their faith to its limits as the entity threatens global annihilation.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Becca flees her home to escape her evil stepmother but receives support and friendship from several individuals before Evie mysteriously disappears in 1934.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The president flees these tradeoffs as a matter of course and flip-flops unpredictably when pressures rise.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Jessie Peck, now the longest-reigning member of the Spinners, was chosen for such a role in 2008 by founders Henry Fambrough and Bobby Smith prior to their respective retirements.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The majority of employees took voluntary buyouts and early retirements, according to the agency.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Outreach workers will give people living in encampments a week’s notice, then conduct daily outreach every day that week, attempting to get the homeless people into shelters or more permanent housing solutions, the mayor said.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Conditions worsened through the day on Tuesday, and evacuation shelters were set up in Woodward and Mooreland, with food provided by the American Red Cross.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Dunleavy, now the general manager of the Golden State Warriors, is trying to figure out a way to acquire Antetokounmpo, now in his 13th NBA season, and pair him with superstar Stephen Curry for one more push at an NBA championship before Curry retires.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Golden State’s future picks could be extra attractive to Milwaukee if the Bucks expect the Warriors to fall off when Curry, who turns 38 in March, eventually retires.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The drone then flies autonomously to its destination.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
This policy flies in the face of the Constitution, legal precedent and Homeland Security's own guidelines.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreats. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
