retreat 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

retreat

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

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 retreat
Noun
From carriage house renovations in Beacon Hill to Cape Cod beach retreats, the firm works on a wide variety of project types, including custom builds and whole-home design. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025 Wellness retreats have become incredibly popular and come in many different forms. Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Nvidia retreated almost 3% on Thursday, building on its drop of nearly 7% in the previous session. Alex Harring,pia Singh, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 The center attorneys retreated to a nearby hotel to await the verdict. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
  • Recent months have seen several reports of funding cuts and visa withdrawals leaving Afghan women at risk of deportation to Afghanistan - a country where women and girls are subjected to what only can be described as gender apartheid.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal and physical symptoms including unexplained headaches, digestive problems or other aches and pains, psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph tells USA TODAY.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Historically, during periods of market turbulence and economic uncertainty, investors typically seek refuge in safe-haven assets—with U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar being the traditional gold standards of security.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The first drop pays homage to Jackson, Wyo., where Season 2 begins, after the two main characters found temporary refuge there in Season 1.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Outreach workers who live among farmworkers are withdrawing a little, too.
    Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After heated arguments and several conversations in chambers, Weinstein’s team agreed to withdraw the motion, so long as a stipulation was given to the jury about the notetaking.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Recovering from his fall, Niles frantically searched the stream of fleeing students for his little brother, Thomas.
    Rascal Kemble-Curry, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In Venezuela and Nicaragua, repressive regimes have also prompted a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Star left tackle Terron Armstead announced his retirement this offseason, making the offensive line an even bigger need for the team.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The retirement and disability program has been running a cash-flow deficit since 2010.
    Dennis W. Jansen, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In early February, Amira Abdallah left her shelter in the Abu Shouk displacement camp in Darfur, Sudan, carrying an old stainless steel bowl.
    Violet Ikong, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Still, critics argue that enforcement without addiction treatment or shelter options often just moves the problem around without solving it.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O'Keefe was found on the front lawn of another Boston police officer who has since retired, Brian Albert.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Swanson is a mystery and could retire, Lavelle hasn't been at her best since 2021.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since Trump came to office on Jan. 20, his administration has flown more than 200 people from the U.S. to El Salvador to be imprisoned in CECOT.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In the show, Joel flies in like a bat out of hell and violently knocks Seth to the ground before telling him to get the hell out.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retreat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!