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
Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Interestingly, in some of these foliage-laden retreats, visitors may more likely bump into a heron than a fellow traveler.
—Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
But the country has far more to offer travelers, and Visit Iceland just released a slate of interesting destination news, covering everything from new wellness retreats and hotel openings to wildlife adventures and museum exhibits.
—Mia Taylor, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Big Sky, Montana Swift and Kelce have previously gone on romantic retreats to Big Sky – even being linked to the highly exclusive, members-only Yellowstone Club – so the couple could pick the luxurious mountain community as a serene wedding destination.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
These mirror workplace experiments like phone-free meetings, digital detox retreats or resilience programs that strengthen attention and self-control.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Morrison Interiors works on projects across the country, from desert estates in Nevada to coastal retreats in Orange Country.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Faster melting increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, which are becoming more common in mountain regions as ice retreats under a warming climate.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Many of these properties aren’t full-time residences but rather investments, retreats, or future projects.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2025
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Their summer break included a visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the royal family traditionally retreats in August.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The film follows reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott), who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, but the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
And the resort will continue its three-day Alo Moves retreats post-renovation.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2025
Ellen retreats to her room and daydreams of her father, who understood his headstrong daughter.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
However, in a separate ranking of the most peaceful beachside retreats, the Gold Coast ranked third.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Interestingly, in some of these foliage-laden retreats, visitors may more likely bump into a heron than a fellow traveler.
—Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
But the country has far more to offer travelers, and Visit Iceland just released a slate of interesting destination news, covering everything from new wellness retreats and hotel openings to wildlife adventures and museum exhibits.
—Mia Taylor, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Big Sky, Montana Swift and Kelce have previously gone on romantic retreats to Big Sky – even being linked to the highly exclusive, members-only Yellowstone Club – so the couple could pick the luxurious mountain community as a serene wedding destination.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
These mirror workplace experiments like phone-free meetings, digital detox retreats or resilience programs that strengthen attention and self-control.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Morrison Interiors works on projects across the country, from desert estates in Nevada to coastal retreats in Orange Country.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Faster melting increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, which are becoming more common in mountain regions as ice retreats under a warming climate.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Many of these properties aren’t full-time residences but rather investments, retreats, or future projects.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
The controversy may also have inspired Colleen Hoover's upcoming novel, about a writer who retreats after online backlash about a film adaptation.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Their summer break included a visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the royal family traditionally retreats in August.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The film follows reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott), who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, but the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
And the resort will continue its three-day Alo Moves retreats post-renovation.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2025
Ellen retreats to her room and daydreams of her father, who understood his headstrong daughter.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats
Noun
-
Traditional retirement plans—like a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), SEP-IRA, or traditional IRA—offer tax breaks now, though withdrawals are taxed later.—
Kara Stevens,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In her model, our brains constantly predict and prepare to meet the body's energy needs—a biological bank account, tracking deposits and withdrawals of resources.—
Andrew Mawson,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Both refuges have launched fundraising campaigns to help cover the costs of the operation.—
Bill Bowden,
Arkansas Online,
29 Aug. 2025
-
This is a statement of respect for human life, happiness and dignity — written in stickers proclaiming businesses to be refuges against bullying, in flags flying proudly from city lampposts, in brightly colored paint applied to road surfaces at high-traffic intersections.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Cabaret is cutting its Broadway run short as star Billy Porter withdraws from the production.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Innovation fades, and the team quietly withdraws.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Pascal would star as a corrupt cop who flees 1930s Los Angeles for Mexico with his lover, played by Danny Ramirez.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Peacemaker flees back into the QUC and alternate Peacemaker follows.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Prior to early retirements and voluntary separations this year, RVLT funding previously went to more than 200 researchers, about 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.—
Mike Hirschberg,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This is Fortune 500 Power Moves, a column tracking executive shifts—from appointments and promotions to resignations and retirements—within the highest ranks of Fortune 500 companies.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Once healthy and socialized, animals are placed with shelters or sent to sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers.—
Meg Dunn,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights a select number of the many pets available for adoption at Valley shelters.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sink retires after more than 30 years in the energy industry, holding leadership roles in both business operations and financial management.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Known for his larger-than-life personality – and the even bigger mascot heads he’s worn – Corso retires as one of the pioneers of football television.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
All six passengers and crew onboard the Family Boat, which flies the Portuguese flag, were reported safe and unharmed.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Even in the Midwest, Nebraska flies blissfully under the radar of most tourists' radars.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreats. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share