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
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
In a sign of his improving health, Pope Francis participated in the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat via videoconference on Monday, attending both the morning and afternoon sessions remotely.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Japan’s Nikkei 225 retreated around 1.2% and South Korea’s Kospi index index slipped 0.15%.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
On the market for €5.1 million (or $5.5 million) with Savills, the villa’s roughly 10,000-square-foot garden is a true retreat, dotted with ancient trees including pines, cypresses, and holm oaks.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
In a sign of his improving health, Pope Francis participated in the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat via videoconference on Monday, attending both the morning and afternoon sessions remotely.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
The United States in recent years has gradually retreated from its post-World War II role of promoting global free trade and lower tariffs.
—Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Japan’s Nikkei 225 retreated around 1.2% and South Korea’s Kospi index index slipped 0.15%.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
Its second phase is meant to bring the release of remaining hostages, a lasting truce and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
-
This allows for substantial retirement savings potential while providing a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy.—
Jessica Ledingham, J.D.,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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New bill to strengthen protections for transgender care Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, who authored a 2022 law to make California a safe refuge for transgender youth, introduced a new bill in February to strengthen those protections.—
CalMatters,
The Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2025
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The Wheeler Preserve is also a refuge for more than 10 federally endangered or threatened species, including the rare Whooping Crane, which has been returning each winter since 2004.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The annual auto auction in Canada confirmed Tesla received multiple opportunities to voluntarily withdraw from the event due to safety concerns.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
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On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union.—
Michael Walker,
The Athletic,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On March 1, police descended upon Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the championship was holding its second day competitions, as a stampede of cheerleaders, coaches and parents ran fleeing from what many believed to be an active shooter situation.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Northcott fled to Canada, but was arrested soon after.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The first of those is goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who Barca lured out of retirement to sign for it on a one-year contract after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s serious knee injury.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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The findings illustrate how the rising costs of food, housing, health care and other expenses threaten the financial health and retirement security of older Americans, according to the advocacy group.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The entire community was designated a shelter by Governor Ron DeSantis. Babcock Ranch sheltered around 2,000 Floridians in the town’s school and the sports facility.—
Celia Fernandez,Raffi Paul,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
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The lone shelter in Del Rio, the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition, can’t even house migrants overnight.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Rockwool Denmark retired on Day 1 after a collision during the opening race.—
Christina House,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have retired and Djokovic’s sand timer is running out of grain.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Colored powder was flying in the air on Sunday in Scripps Ranch during a Holi festival put on by a San Diego nonprofit for the first time.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
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Ramsey flies more than 400,000 miles per year and has traveled to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states and 173 of the United Nations countries.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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