retreat 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

retreat

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

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 retreat
Noun
The aftermath of Darcey’s explosive arrival to the couple’s retreat continued on the Feb. 24 episode of 90 Day: The Last Resort. Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 Reportedly, Posey also enjoys tending to a garden at the rural retreat. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
About 20% of companies in the S&P 100 have retreated from DEI commitments, Bloomberg News reported. William Gavin, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2025 In the wake of the great DEI surge of 2020–2021 and the current collapse and retreat from creating more equitable workplaces, women of color—and particularly Black women—find themselves under attack, and in desperate need of support from true allies. Shari Dunn, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • The memo also mandated the removal of DEI materials and the withdrawal of documents that conflicted with the new directives.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Radio Begum launched on International Women’s Day in March 2021, just five months before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from the region.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Nomadic Bedouin tribes have long sought temporary refuge in the city.
    Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Many have sought refuge in sprawling outdoor areas, living for months in makeshift tents made of cloth and nylon – with little access to warmth, electricity or heating.
    Kareem Khadder, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This is evident in the agency's recent decision under current leadership to withdraw several high-profile lawsuits alleging violations of consumer financial laws against Early Warning Services, the operator of Zelle, and major banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.
    Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • At the event, Mills publicly refused to comply with Trump’s executive order against trans youth in school sports, which threatens to withdraw federal funding from states that maintain inclusive policies.
    Samantha Riedel, Them, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In May 2023, while awaiting trial in a Virginia jail, Marin-Sotelo and another inmate managed to escape, with Marin-Sotelo fleeing to Mexico.
    Max Saltman, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The mother of a woman killed when an unlicensed driver crashed his Mercedes-Benz into a school bus in Brooklyn is calling for justice after police said the driver fled the scene in a taxi, leaving her daughter to die in the front seat.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While around 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 daily, the median household retirement savings for those between the ages 65 and 75 stands around $200,000—a fraction of what’s needed to fund a 20- or 30-year retirement.
    Mike Vietri, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Luka Dončić records triple double in first game against Dallas Mavericks WNBA legend Diana Taurasi announces retirement And the Thunder are doing all of that even though their opening day roster had the youngest age (24.15) and least experience (2.56 seasons) of any franchise.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Fun fact: The building doubled as a bomb shelter during the Cold War, said Moletz.
    Ryan Deto, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Adams said the hotel necessitated being converted into a shelter since around 4,000 migrants were arriving in the city per week at the height of the crisis.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Kansas City Chiefs' tight end has signed on for another season with the NFL team, choosing not to retire after the team’s Super Bowl 2025 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Its presiding judge, David Hagerman, retired earlier this year.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Jack then tells Portia to not return to the White Lotus and wait for Tanya and to go to the airport and fly home instead.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Its feathers confirmed its ability to fly, albeit not with the grace of modern birds.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retreat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!