RETRIEVAL Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

retrieval

noun

ri-ˈtrē-vəl

Definition of retrieval

as in reclamation

the act or process of getting something back a law firm that has been involved in the retrieval of artworks that were plundered during the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 retrieval Kayaking on Loch Raven is not allowed in the winter, so that retrieval option was out. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2026 There, in the first of two trips, Emilie underwent ovulation stimulation and egg retrieval. — Lj Dawson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Call logs from before, during and after the retrieval show more than 200 calls between South Korean officials and representatives of Coupang, the committee reported. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Subsequent research actually backed him up, finding that habitual calculator use before students had internalized basic arithmetic weakened their mental fluency and fact retrieval. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrieval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrieval

Noun

In 2018, following much clamoring by scientists, the Chinese government enacted strict restrictions on commercial land reclamation along its coast.

— Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
There are games on four different days in Week 1, including a Super Bowl rematch, the debut of the new Super Team and a fallen dynasty in search of reclamation.

— J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of reclamation

Noun

The smaller footprint could make waste-heat recovery practical at sites where installing conventional steam equipment would be difficult.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Those fake apps were designed to steal 12- and 24-word cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of recovery

Noun

Simulated drone attack tests launch-site security The launch-facility recapture scenario, added another layer to the exercise by bringing security and air units together in a simulated tactical environment.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026
Criminal gang violence continues unabated in Ecuador following the recapture in June 2025 of the country's biggest drug lord, Adolfo Macías after his escape from a maximum-security prison in 2024.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of recapture

Browse Nearby Words

retrievable

retrieval

retrievals

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrieval. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of retrieval

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tactile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes