1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of retreats
Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
Stem is among the early waves of people participating in legal retreats in the United States built around the drug.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Thailand Hosting coveted wellness retreats, this 44-room refuge on the outskirts of mountainous Chiang Mai is a secluded sanctuary focused on guests' health.
—Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
The weekends are planned in partnership with A Mother’s Rest, a non-profit organization that coordinates low-cost trips and retreats for caregivers or parents of children or adults with varying needs.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Mammoth bluffs followed by last-minute retreats only deepened perceptions of inconsistency, further eroding deterrence.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Now, rumors of certain drugs helping to treat or even heal mental health disorders has led to a surge in psychedelic retreats.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Funky little guesthouses, coastal hideouts, and boutique retreats in the Greek capital.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
From the coastal cliffs of Costa Rica to open-air Indonesian retreats, luxury villa rentals span locales and design sensibilities—if something rustic and Tuscan is not for you, something modernist and Mexican just may be.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 May 2026
As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Garcia retreats, the video shows.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The visitors’ right-back, Lamare Bogarde, retreats a couple of steps to mark Cunha, creating more space for Fernandes down the United left.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
As tensions escalate into violence, Tina retreats into the basement, seeking refuge from the chaos above.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
The unconscious Moon retreats through your 12th House of Peace, trining take-charge Saturn in your 4th House of Care along the way.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026
By Saturday night, geomagnetic activity weakens and retreats north, making aurora visibility in Iowa unlikely or very limited.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 20 Mar. 2026
After a painful breakup, college junior Blake Logan retreats to her family's lake house in Tahoe and meets Wyatt Graham.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
Six-figure salaries were still common for officers and their relatives, as were fine dining, stays in posh hotels and expensive hunting retreats.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
Stem is among the early waves of people participating in legal retreats in the United States built around the drug.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Thailand Hosting coveted wellness retreats, this 44-room refuge on the outskirts of mountainous Chiang Mai is a secluded sanctuary focused on guests' health.
—Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
The weekends are planned in partnership with A Mother’s Rest, a non-profit organization that coordinates low-cost trips and retreats for caregivers or parents of children or adults with varying needs.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Mammoth bluffs followed by last-minute retreats only deepened perceptions of inconsistency, further eroding deterrence.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Now, rumors of certain drugs helping to treat or even heal mental health disorders has led to a surge in psychedelic retreats.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Funky little guesthouses, coastal hideouts, and boutique retreats in the Greek capital.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
From the coastal cliffs of Costa Rica to open-air Indonesian retreats, luxury villa rentals span locales and design sensibilities—if something rustic and Tuscan is not for you, something modernist and Mexican just may be.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
When novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote inn in Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes, he is consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 May 2026
As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Garcia retreats, the video shows.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The visitors’ right-back, Lamare Bogarde, retreats a couple of steps to mark Cunha, creating more space for Fernandes down the United left.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
As tensions escalate into violence, Tina retreats into the basement, seeking refuge from the chaos above.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
The unconscious Moon retreats through your 12th House of Peace, trining take-charge Saturn in your 4th House of Care along the way.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026
By Saturday night, geomagnetic activity weakens and retreats north, making aurora visibility in Iowa unlikely or very limited.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 20 Mar. 2026
After a painful breakup, college junior Blake Logan retreats to her family's lake house in Tahoe and meets Wyatt Graham.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats
Noun
-
That followed an aborted attempt last November to merge two of its funds, including one that had restricted withdrawals.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Non-qualified withdrawals must be reported on the tax return of the account owner, or the beneficiary’s tax return.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Cemeteries, in particular, may serve as critical refuges for pollinators at a time when many natural habitats are disappearing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For example, if a Medicare Advantage plan withdraws from a market or leaves the Medicare program, its enrollees can qualify for a supplemental plan without being asked health questions or charged more for having preexisting conditions.—
Julie Appleby,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
University officials deactivated the group the same day they were notified, citing campus policies that allow suspension of student organizations when a parent or governing body withdraws recognition or when groups violate state law.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Searchlight is in development on Lottery, a Permut Presentations drama about a young man with Down syndrome who, after winning the lottery, flees his estranged mother and hits the road with a charming new friend who has ulterior motives of her own.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Following a violent outburst from Robert, Nancy gets in her car and flees in the last scene of the episode.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
University leaders expect as many as 150 job cuts through retirements, layoffs and eliminating vacancies.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, there were reports in at least three other counties — Brevard, Leon and Palm Beach — that 2026 court elections were being canceled as resignations and retirements of circuit court judges, right before the qualifying period, created vacancies that mandate gubernatorial appointments.—
Norine Dworkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The new law will prevent the state from placing children in unlicensed homes like shelters, hotels or offices.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
When experienced and motivated staff can continue to work in the homeless response system, more people are placed into housing and spend less time in shelters.—
David Rich,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Superior Court judges, the ones who preside over criminal and civil trials at the county level, can stand for election if a seat is open, or they can be appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy if a judge retires.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Especially if Stafford is injured this season or retires in the next year or two.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Leone, a furniture executive, flies exclusively on semi-private planes operated by JSX.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
-
Aliens, dystopian nightmares, and twisted realities are more than likely provoking a reaction from viewers that flies a lot closer to terrified.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreats. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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