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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Erin Clements, People.com, 12 June 2025
Dual bathrooms and custom closets round out the sumptuous retreat.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
His comments come after Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday morning threatened severe consequences if Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei doesn’t retreat.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
In the first episode of the limited series, which premiered in August 2024, Mina transformed an Indiana lake house into a retreat for her young family.
—Erin Clements, People.com, 12 June 2025
Dual bathrooms and custom closets round out the sumptuous retreat.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Verb
After two days of watching and worrying, the Connecticut crests at 29 feet on Sunday night, and then begins to retreat.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
His comments come after Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday morning threatened severe consequences if Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei doesn’t retreat.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Roth IRAs, on the other hand, are funded with after-tax dollars and offer no immediate tax break, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
The agency then sought public input to determine if the mineral withdrawal should move forward.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
12 June 2025
Noun
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The refuge remains critically important for the long-term survival of imperiled Florida manatees.—
Ragan Whitlock,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
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This still-active beacon is located within the same wildlife refuge as the wild ponies, along with 15 miles of hiking trails and over 275 resident and migrating avian species—including bald eagles, white ibis and roseate spoonbills.—
Laura Kiniry,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
Related article The world’s second-largest gold storage suddenly has very long lines to withdraw bars As bonds have been volatile and the dollar has weakened amid tariff turmoil, weird investments like silver and platinum have emerged as a way to hedge against the tremendous uncertainty.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
12 June 2025
-
Hardwick began to withdraw from his close circle of friends.—
Martin Padgett
June 12,
Literary Hub,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Hardin fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, through a secure entryway on May 25 wearing a fake law enforcement uniform.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
The family fled Colombia in 2002, leaving behind comfort and status.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Payments largely depend on a recipient’s retirement age.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2025
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Across the world, retirement ages increase because people live longer, placing strain on pension systems.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Mosques as bomb shelters Photos shared by Iran’s ISNA News Agency showed bloodied people being helped from the scene of Israeli strikes in downtown Tehran.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
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If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Jones wrapped up his 12-year NFL career with a one-season stint at the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2019.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
-
Nunes retired in June 2023 after defending the 135-pound title with a win over Irene Aldana to care for her growing family.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
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In a slight twist on the usual, the chefs not only get to choose their own sous-chefs, but only those sous-chefs have been flown to Italy for the occasion.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
13 June 2025
-
Fifty aircraft including combat helicopters will fly overhead.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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