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
Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
Madera has devoted his fortune to restoring historic estates and transforming them into intimate luxury retreats.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026
These all-in-one destinations combine comfortable stays with beautiful surroundings, standout dining, and activities for every kind of traveler—from oceanfront retreats to mountain hideaways.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The backstory Fufu Tokyo Ginza is the first urban property from Fufu Japan, a brand known for intimate onsen retreats in quieter corners of the country, seven of which hold Michelin Key distinctions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
So there’s people who’d be putting out manosphere messages in books maybe, or in-person seminars and wilderness retreats.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026
Andrew has moved to a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, while Sarah’s whereabouts are unknown—although she has been rumored to be everywhere from the French Alps to the United Arab Emirates to wellness retreats in both Switzerland and Ireland.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Before the Bride elbows her way into his life, Frank, ever so lonely, retreats into the world of movies.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Despite the retreats in many markets, the reactions to the war have been moderated by the fact that past military conflicts in the Middle East haven't caused long-term declines.
—CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.
—Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
From its vantage point on the west coast of America, the observatory will be perfectly positioned to provide coverage throughout the eclipse, running from the penumbral phase through totality and beyond, as Earth's shadow retreats from the lunar disk.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder, prevails by crushing the arm of Takeminakata, a rival god, who retreats to Lake Suwa and vows never to leave.
—Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Totality ends and the umbra gradually retreats across the lunar surface.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 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, 11 Feb. 2026
In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
Discover four lake retreats currently for sale with the luxury brokerage, and get in touch with their experts to see more.
—Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
Madera has devoted his fortune to restoring historic estates and transforming them into intimate luxury retreats.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026
These all-in-one destinations combine comfortable stays with beautiful surroundings, standout dining, and activities for every kind of traveler—from oceanfront retreats to mountain hideaways.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
The backstory Fufu Tokyo Ginza is the first urban property from Fufu Japan, a brand known for intimate onsen retreats in quieter corners of the country, seven of which hold Michelin Key distinctions.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
So there’s people who’d be putting out manosphere messages in books maybe, or in-person seminars and wilderness retreats.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026
Andrew has moved to a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, while Sarah’s whereabouts are unknown—although she has been rumored to be everywhere from the French Alps to the United Arab Emirates to wellness retreats in both Switzerland and Ireland.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Before the Bride elbows her way into his life, Frank, ever so lonely, retreats into the world of movies.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Despite the retreats in many markets, the reactions to the war have been moderated by the fact that past military conflicts in the Middle East haven't caused long-term declines.
—CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Around the world, spas are often physically inaccessible, retreats off-limits by design, and practitioners limited in their ability and training to see disabled bodies as deserving of the restoration everyone so desperately needs.
—Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.
—Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
From its vantage point on the west coast of America, the observatory will be perfectly positioned to provide coverage throughout the eclipse, running from the penumbral phase through totality and beyond, as Earth's shadow retreats from the lunar disk.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder, prevails by crushing the arm of Takeminakata, a rival god, who retreats to Lake Suwa and vows never to leave.
—Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Totality ends and the umbra gradually retreats across the lunar surface.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 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, 11 Feb. 2026
In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats
Noun
-
By contrast, traditional IRAs are funded with pre-tax dollars for an upfront benefit and withdrawals that are taxed.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
In November, the firm restricted withdrawals, and in February bought back 15% of the outstanding shares in one fund to refund cash, and in another vehicle, ended its regular quarterly liquidity payments.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Why perpetuate this problem in city parks — our best refuges from the danger, noise and congestion of city streets?—
Jon Orcutt,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Aire Ancient Baths A subterranean theater of candlelit pools and vaulted brick, Aire remains one of the city’s few strictly phone-and-camera-free refuges.—
Amy Louise Bailey,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If the Pentagon withdraws support, the Scouts would have to scramble to replace medical care, transportation and other emergency services.—
Graham Smith,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Antonio Delgado withdraws from New York governor race after Mamdani backs Hochul.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The stinger on the scene, where Katie flees and Greg mistakenly gets caught peeping on two girls smooching, is good for some giggles.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Seemingly a united front, Michaela agrees to stay in London upon Francesca’s request, but secretly flees in the finale.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 17-member Cook County Board is guaranteed at least four new faces next year thanks to two retirements and two ambitious congressional hopefuls.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Boeing projects demand for some 660,000 new pilots globally over the next two decades, driven by growing air travel demand and a wave of retirements.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Aid workers in Lebanon spoke with ABC News about overcrowded conditions at shelters, women and children being disproportionately affected, and the need for psychosocial support.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
To compensate for the lack of bomb shelters and safe rooms in residential housing, Noori said Iranian authorities designated 82 metro stations and 300 parking garages in Tehran as shelters for the people.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The most common strategy seems to be doing Roth conversions during the later stages of employment, particularly if one spouse retires before the other so family income decreases.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The average American worker retires at age 62, according to to survey data from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The White House’s push for the Railway Safety Act flies in the face of its own advice.—
John Shelton,
Washington Post,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Young normally flies using CLEAR, a private security program that costs about $200 a person, but that option wasn’t available on Sunday.—
Dan Gallo,
NBC news,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreats. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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