RETREAT Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

retreat 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈtrēt

Definition of retreat next

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

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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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

Examples of retreat in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At a spiritual retreat in December 1986, Baker made a full confession and was transferred to a treatment facility in New Mexico. —

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024 For our introductory meeting, our jovial group leader Jan Curl — a longtime fitness instructor in her early sixties who went from being a Run Wild participant to guiding retreats — gathered all 12 of us in a circle and invited us to share the desires and fears that had brought us on this trip. —

Alexandra Kleeman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024

Verb

Stocks fall after disappointing housing stimulus announcement Chinese shares initially rose on Thursday, but later retreated after the country’s housing minister delivered a lackluster briefing on new measures to support the struggling property sector. —

Brooke Seipel, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 But some companies have recently retreated in the wake of legal and political pressure. —

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retreat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat

Noun

The different tax advantages and withdrawal options available in a 401(k) and a Roth IRA can help keep your retirement portfolio diversified.

Elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
The Air Force flew C-17s nonstop for two weeks during the hectic August 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, evacuating more than 120,000 civilians fleeing the Taliban.

Tara Copp, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024