as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in settling
to go to one's bed in order to sleep
I'm exhausted, so I think I'll retire for the evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sacking
to let go from office, service, or employment
as a part of its restructuring, the company has begun to retire its older employees
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in withdrawing
to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)
the insurgents have retired to the outskirts of the city, but appear to be readying themselves for another offensive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retiring
Daily News Staff, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
After running more than 400 games, the researchers concluded that a fully passive style of scavenging – snatching some carrion when no one is looking – was too retiring and less than ideal.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023
Austen’s most retiring and internal heroine, spends much of the movie chatting to the camera, even giving sarcastic glances and eye rolls in the middle of the action.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022
So a more retiring co-parent certainly can be, say, the homework explainer and behind-the-scenes calendar keeper while the more outgoing parent takes meetings and makes phone calls – absolutely.
—Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2018
In part, that's because Hemsley is probably the most retiring, publicity-adverse CEO heading an iconic company.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2017
Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Baby boomers are retiring at a rapid pace, and there are fewer younger workers paying into the system for every senior collecting monthly benefits.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 June 2026
Golden, a moderate Democrat who declined to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has at times voted with Republicans, is retiring after four terms in Congress, giving Republicans a stronger opportunity to flip the seat.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Since retiring from the NFL, Brady has remained active in business and public life, appearing at events ranging from college commencement ceremonies to discussions about the changing landscape of college athletics.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Taylor started off excellent in the bottom of the inning, retiring the side in order.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
Despite having just graduated from Boise State in 2024 — and leaving as the men’s basketball program’s winningest-ever player — Rice was already considering retiring as a player after not seeing much change in his game.
—Shaun Goodwin
june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
The council will also honor a longtime municipal judge and an Olathe Historic Preservation Board member, who are both retiring.
—Kendrick Calfee
june 2, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
In District 1, representing North Natomas, North Sacramento, East Sacramento and Oak Park, four candidates are vying to replace retiring four-term Supervisor Phil Serna.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
Rangel, a mustachioed, natty dresser rarely seen with a hair out of place, hardly had a reputation for a shy and retiring personality.
—Daily News Staff, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
After running more than 400 games, the researchers concluded that a fully passive style of scavenging – snatching some carrion when no one is looking – was too retiring and less than ideal.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023
Austen’s most retiring and internal heroine, spends much of the movie chatting to the camera, even giving sarcastic glances and eye rolls in the middle of the action.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022
So a more retiring co-parent certainly can be, say, the homework explainer and behind-the-scenes calendar keeper while the more outgoing parent takes meetings and makes phone calls – absolutely.
—Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2018
In part, that's because Hemsley is probably the most retiring, publicity-adverse CEO heading an iconic company.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2017
Verb
Adraee, who is retiring this year, takes pride in his work.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Baby boomers are retiring at a rapid pace, and there are fewer younger workers paying into the system for every senior collecting monthly benefits.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 June 2026
Golden, a moderate Democrat who declined to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has at times voted with Republicans, is retiring after four terms in Congress, giving Republicans a stronger opportunity to flip the seat.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Since retiring from the NFL, Brady has remained active in business and public life, appearing at events ranging from college commencement ceremonies to discussions about the changing landscape of college athletics.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Taylor started off excellent in the bottom of the inning, retiring the side in order.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
Despite having just graduated from Boise State in 2024 — and leaving as the men’s basketball program’s winningest-ever player — Rice was already considering retiring as a player after not seeing much change in his game.
—Shaun Goodwin
june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
The council will also honor a longtime municipal judge and an Olathe Historic Preservation Board member, who are both retiring.
—Kendrick Calfee
june 2, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
In District 1, representing North Natomas, North Sacramento, East Sacramento and Oak Park, four candidates are vying to replace retiring four-term Supervisor Phil Serna.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retiring
Adjective
-
Patrick Stewart is also among those to have publicly discussed working with a withdrawn Hardy, who has also starred in The Dark Knight trilogy, Peaky Blinders and the Venom films.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2026
-
Read more on the deadly ripple effects of withdrawn aid.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Saturday night stays mild and muggy, with lows settling into the 70s.—
Damien Lodes,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
The formula is also transfer- and waterproof, resisting creasing, fading, sweat, and humidity without settling into fine lines or accentuating texture.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Villa’s then sporting director Monchi reportedly attempting a straight swap of him for goalkeeper Emi Martinez last summer is a sacking offence (perhaps literally).—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
-
Giants linebacker Abdul Carter didn’t waste any time sacking his own quarterback.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
Verb
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After battling through injury during Saturday's third round at the RBC Canadian Open, Brooks Koepka opted not to give it a go in the final round, ultimately withdrawing from the PGA Tour event on Sunday morning.—
Mark Harris,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
This is because Roth IRAs allow withdrawals of your contributions penalty-free (there are, however, stipulations for withdrawing earnings).—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Detmers was still 15 pitches shy of his season-high when Suzuki pulled him.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
11 June 2026
-
The Knicks then outscored the Spurs, 58-30, in the second half, leaving them one win shy of their first championship since 1973.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Ridgetop is a larger option, sleeping up to 18 guests with six bathrooms as well as six private bedrooms, each sleeping up to three people.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Franklin says warning signs of caregiver strain can include chronic fatigue, anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping and emotional withdrawal.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
As the media fixates on the digital natives known as Gen Z and Gen Alpha — often dismissing them as antisocial and entitled members of society — Saturday’s celebration showed that younger generations might actually have it all under control.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Democrats criticized Republicans for dismissing attempts at meaningful reform.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Many are retreating from their DEI commitments.—
Sankar Sen,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
-
However, over three days of fighting, a Union Army force sent Confederate soldiers retreating back to the South.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retiring. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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