RETREATS Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

retreats 1 of 2

noun

plural of retreat

as in withdrawals

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

as in refuges

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

retreats

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of retreat

as in withdraws

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 flees

to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening the untried soldiers retreated in humiliating disarray almost as soon as the enemy's onslaught began

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 retreats

Noun

Wellness travel now accounts for nearly 8 percent of global trips and is a $900 billion industry, with demand rising for retreats that prioritize rest and renewal. —

Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026 Though archaeologists haven’t confirmed any of the theories, some have postulated a symbolic function, a site of initiation rituals, or spiritual retreats. —

Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026 These retreats have been designed around the island’s five unique seasons (springrise being the fifth) and include mindful cold-water immersions in the Baltic, aquatic movement sessions, and, of course, sauna rituals. —

Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026 Mountain biking and e‑biking, hiking, rafting, climbing, zip‑lining, fishing, golf, wellness retreats, equestrian facilities and scenic lift rides. —

Lysanne Currie, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 But for anyone who remembers the cottage-cheese era of wellness retreats, this shift alone still feels like progress. —

Annie Daly, SELF, 28 Jan. 2026 Nick Damianos, global real estate adviser with Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty, says in the report that privacy concerns can complicate even seemingly ideal properties, such as private island retreats. —

Bloomberg, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 Through ConneXions, Hildebrandt offered individual therapy with couples and families, as well as group classes, couples workshops, week-long retreats and other online activities that all added up to thousands of dollars a month in income. —

Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026 Ahead, 12 standout hotels in the Caribbean for a warm winter getaway, from high-end tropical retreats to more intimate boutique stays. —

Annie Daly, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026

Verb

Menopause retreats at properties with spas take that tension-melting vibe a step further. —

Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026 Less well defined is the character of Miss Delavigne, although she’s wonderfully portrayed by Englert, who retreats into this mousy persona. —

Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026 Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026 The video shows Rummler dropping to the ground, holding his face as the crowd retreats. —

Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026 After he has been raped, a young man retreats into a world of silence and isolation. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026 As Gustav aims to work his way back into their lives, Nora retreats into isolation as her mental health increasingly declines. —

Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 Brunson retreats and ultimately turns the ball over on a pass to Miles McBride. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 As Washington retreats from multilateralism and becomes more consumed by domestic polarization, Beijing will continue to exploit opportunities to advance its own geopolitical goals. —

Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats

Noun

Uhlaender, a five-time Olympian, was hoping to qualify for her sixth Winter Games, but lost the chance before competition even began in Lake Placid due to Canada's withdrawals.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Protection From Accidental Spending CDs create intentional friction on your money since they are not built for frequent transfers or casual withdrawals.

— True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026