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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refuge
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 to withdraw
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 to flee
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 retreat
Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Venis and his friends Randall (Steve Carell), Hugo (Jason Schwartzman) and Jeff (Ramy Youssef) watch the world go up in flames from their phones, safe at a snowy weekend retreat at Hugo’s home in Utah.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
Alex Harring,brian Evans, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely. retreats 2-6 in its second week (just over 7,000; down 81%), Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX climbs 8-7 (7,000; up 6%) and P1Harmony’s DUH! dips 3-6 in its second week (nearly 7,000; down 69%).
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
The compact structures make great guest houses, home offices, or creative retreats.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Venis and his friends Randall (Steve Carell), Hugo (Jason Schwartzman) and Jeff (Ramy Youssef) watch the world go up in flames from their phones, safe at a snowy weekend retreat at Hugo’s home in Utah.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
Verb
Other stocks that logged losses include Nissan Motor which retreated 2.47%, Mitsubishi Motors which fell 2.27% and Honda Motor which was down 1.37%.
—Alex Harring,brian Evans, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Kali Uchis’ Sincerely. retreats 2-6 in its second week (just over 7,000; down 81%), Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX climbs 8-7 (7,000; up 6%) and P1Harmony’s DUH! dips 3-6 in its second week (nearly 7,000; down 69%).
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The sculpture’s location itself is one of total urban deletion and communicative displacement as much as the sculptural structure is one of perceptual withdrawal and refusal of even a minimum of gratifying tactility.—
Benjamin H. D. Buchloh,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
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His magnetic personality and inventive game style make Fils one of the most watchable players on the tour; his withdrawal will be keenly felt.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
The project involves creating a pedestrian refuge island across Illinois Street, and reducing lanes on Illinois Street to include dedicated bike lanes between Riverside Avenue and First Street.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
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Many North Slope Iñupiat leaders who support drilling in the refuge felt their voices were not heard during the Biden era.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
Greenwood never played for his boyhood club again, despite the charges being dropped in February 2023 when the prosecution’s main witness withdrew her cooperation.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
Macron made the remarks as the U.S. is considering withdrawing troops from Europe to shift them to the Indo-Pacific.—
DAVID RISING,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
The family fled Colombia in 2002, leaving behind comfort and status.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
-
Hardin fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, through a secure entryway on May 25 wearing a fake law enforcement uniform.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Roberts recently announced his retirement after 14 years at KU and 37 years total. Vaughn, 50, is ready to re-embrace the college game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
-
Mellanby, whose specialized brand of extermination fueled the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals, announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Noun
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If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
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Architect Marina Tabassum’s 2025 Serpentine Pavilion is a meditation on shelter, climate and community—a place for gathering, reflection, and imagining new ways of being together in public space.—
Nargess Banks,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Mutombo, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was the NBA’s first global ambassador after retiring in 2009.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Meanwhile, chief diversity officers have been resigning, retiring or getting laid off — and they are not being replaced.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
This technology allows even those with limited flying experience to handle the bike safely and confidently.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2025
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Perez was intentionally walked to load the bases, but the Royals stranded all three runners as Maikel Garcia flew out to right field.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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