RETREAT Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

retreat 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈtrēt

Definition of retreat

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Well before Diana attained princess status, Althorp was a favorite retreat of royals and a variety of politicians from around the world. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 July 2026

Verb

There was a hat rack, boot bench, and boot jack in my room that would have been the ideal place to retreat after a night at Dickie’s Arena watching the cowboys do their thing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026 Moreover, the shock of higher prices is still fresh in people's minds and may be coloring consumers' purchasing decisions, despite signs that prices should retreat further. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retreat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat

Noun

That means withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income and could be subject to early withdrawal penalties if used for unqualified expenses.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Critics counter that the abrupt withdrawal of aid is already having devastating humanitarian consequences.

— W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of withdrawal

Noun

The city has taken a slate of actions to help sweat-dripping denizens find refuge from the heat, including opening up additional cooling centers and expanding pool hours.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026
Residents are welcome to use the center during the day for refuge and to connect with available resources.

— City News Service, Daily News, 4 July 2026

Definition of refuge

Noun

The World Economic Forum calls it financial nihilism — the conclusion that the system no longer rewards prudence, driving a cohort toward crypto bets, prediction markets, and raided retirement accounts.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Conversations about retirement, grandchildren, travel, caregiving, second careers, and personal reinvention tend to feel natural within that environment.

— Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of retirement

Noun

Place posters in the neighborhood, post on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor and check every nearby shelter for your pet.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of shelter

Verb

Six days after the Yankees' first 15 batters couldn't get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels' first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom's fifth-inning single.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Six days after the Yankees’ first 15 batters couldn’t get a hit off Bennett, the lanky left-hander retired the Angels’ first 13 batters before Vaughn Grissom’s fifth-inning single.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of retire

Verb

Adeline André will close out the official calendar in Paris, on Thursday at 4pm, while a number of attendees will fly to Rome for the Fendi show that evening at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Norway and Brazil were locked in a tense, back-and-forth game Sunday, in the round of 16, until Haaland came flying in with that header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of fly

Cite this Entry

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“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of retreat

noun

verb

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Synonyms of retreat

noun

verb

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