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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
But Netanyahu did not commit to a timeline of retreat.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Rest & Relaxation follows Amandeep (Mani), who in seeking solace on the brink of a life-changing decision, retreats to a secluded bed and breakfast where the eclectic guests challenge her preconceptions of family.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The seeming retreat of the site’s author(s) in the face of potential defamation claims has not undone the damage wrought by their overreach.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
But Netanyahu did not commit to a timeline of retreat.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
Callas lost her voice and retreated to her mausoleum-like apartment on the Avenue Georges Mandel in Paris’ posh sixteenth arrondissement.
—Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Rest & Relaxation follows Amandeep (Mani), who in seeking solace on the brink of a life-changing decision, retreats to a secluded bed and breakfast where the eclectic guests challenge her preconceptions of family.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The exercise, which comes to its 66th iteration, included in-port and underway phases, with the latter featuring live-fire drills—such as a ship-sinking event and a ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal, demonstrating amphibious capabilities.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
On Sunday, the Indian Meteorological Department said that conditions are favorable for withdrawal of monsoon from parts of Punjab and other states over the next three days.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Starship’s launch pad is along the Texas coastline, less than 5 miles from the Mexico border, surrounded by a state park and a national wildlife refuge established to protect the biodiversity of the lower Rio Grande River.—
Taylor Kate Brown,
ProPublica,
17 Sep. 2025
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Stink bugs, an invasive species originating from eastern Asia and first introduced to the United States in the mid-1990s seek refuge in homes across the country as fall approaches.—
Greta Cross,
Freep.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Duncan even contemplated mounting a third-party challenge to Trump as a No Labels candidate last year before withdrawing his name from consideration.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Biden administration had weighed withdrawing antitrust immunity for the joint venture, which began in 2016.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Following its defeat by Communist Party forces in the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese Nationalist movement, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to the island in 1949 as a government in exile.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
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In six months, the site has grown from 600 people fleeing gang attacks in nearby Delmas 30 to 5,000 people from all over the capital, sheltering in packed government offices and makeshift shacks.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
More retirements and campaigns are expected before the 119th Congress comes to a close.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Fans saw Brock Lesnar defeat John Cena on his retirement tour, a new WWE Women's World Champion was crowned, and Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against rival Drew McIntyre.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Inside a pavilion built for shelter after Hurricane Iniki struck Kauaʻi in 1992, with paintings of dolphins and waves on the walls, John runs a brief tournament for eight players before a community movie night in Anahola, a homestead neighborhood reserved for Hawaiians.—
Matt Negrin,
Rolling Stone,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Now 38, Kopitar will retire as the greatest player ever to come from his native Slovenia, which has sent just three players ever to the NHL.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia has been hired to lead the department, replacing Chief Neil Noakes, who retired in May.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Heading into spring break this year, airlines were flying fewer seats than in the previous spring, and the downward trend continues.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Passengers wanting to fly the MJ500 regional aircraft will need some patience.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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