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

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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

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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

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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

The issue is not a shortage of strategic plans, planning sessions or executive retreats. — Allison Mais, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Companies are increasingly planning out-of-the-box retreats akin to kid’s birthday parties. — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 27 July 2026 This list continues to tiptoe away from major cities to the countryside, with rural wellness retreats in Portugal’s Algarve and cliffside boutique stays on quieter Greek islands rising to the top. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Its two private lakeside retreats offer direct access to Lake Caldaro, the warmest bathing lake in the Alps. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Both regions are home to countryside retreats that sit just a short drive to Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as to safari parks where the Big Five roam. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 21 July 2026 Over on the raw, elemental east coast (one of Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2026)—or, as locals would say, behind God's back—there's been a rise in down-to-earth wellness retreats and farm-to-table eateries. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 Their philosophy is to create design-forward retreats across the Mediterranean, combining the natural surroundings and heritage of each property with high-end service and amenities. — Jonathan Samuels, TheWeek, 17 July 2026

Verb

The mountain range is just a short distance from Balmoral, the Scottish castle and estate where the royal family annually retreats in late summer. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 The footage then appears to show the person attempting to kick the sea lion again as the animal retreats from its resting spot. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 July 2026 But real vulnerability rarely survives beyond a song before Twain retreats to reflexive brightness. — Amanda Wicks, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026 As the hours tick away, Alana continues to emotionally unravel while Michael retreats inward, stonewalling law enforcement and his staff and pressing forward with life as usual. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026 At the end of every summer, the royal family retreats to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, their beloved getaway. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 21 July 2026 After Will’s funeral, Alice retreats to her in-laws’ remote, dilapidated house, where, through the Necronomicon, a demonic spirit is unleashed and begins to turn the family members into Deadites. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Exhausted, my mind retreats toward sleep. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026 Wellness retreats top the list of luxury travel trends right now, but the price tags often stretch into the thousands. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats

Noun

Instead of drawing exclusively from one account, retirees may benefit from coordinating withdrawals among taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts.

— David Kudla, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
And if the latter occurs, X can freeze withdrawals for up to 180 days, one X policy said.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

Definition of withdrawals

Noun

So despite these populations becoming fragmented – disconnected from others overall – the sinkholes appear to have played a role as natural refuges.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 July 2026
Expect rocky ridges and steep climbs, with mountain refuges along the route for meals and overnight stays.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of refuges

Verb

Mei searches for community and purpose with the I Wor Kuen while Chris withdraws from daily life into increasingly Spartan spiritual practices.

— Dylan Adamson, IndieWire, 21 July 2026
Something in-between In this scenario, the SEC withdraws from the House settlement — which created nationwide rules on revenue sharing and third-party payments to players — and sets its own rules on paying players.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of withdraws

Verb

When her best friend’s family suddenly flees under suspicious circumstances, taking her away with them, 10-year-old Lucía gathers her gang to launch a plan inspired by their favorite superheroes.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
Dunn, having none of it, stabs Dickie 20 times with a broken liquor bottle–with pants around his ankles, no less–while Alma flees out a window.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026

Definition of flees

Verb

Toyota recently launched a $25 billion, tender-offer buyback that retires about 7% of outstanding shares, one of the largest repurchases in Japanese history.

— Tony Zhang, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Citation retires after the race with total earnings of $1,085,760.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026