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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Fergie has reportedly stayed at different wellness retreats in the past few months, including in the French Alps, Switzerland, and Ireland.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Mar. 2026
Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Recognizing the similarities, John becomes fearful of whether this news will cause Carolyn to retreat even further.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
And now, the app is just broken after Sam Altman’s tech titan dramatically beat a retreat from generative video.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Fergie has reportedly stayed at different wellness retreats in the past few months, including in the French Alps, Switzerland, and Ireland.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Across markets, oil prices are retreating in early trade.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Recognizing the similarities, John becomes fearful of whether this news will cause Carolyn to retreat even further.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The Leo moon supports your deliberate withdrawal.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Dallas Area Rapid Transit narrowly escaped a slate of six withdrawal elections that could have shrunk the public transportation system significantly this year, exposing challenges the agency faces in providing bus, train and other transit services over a sprawling region.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kent also sought refuge with Candace Owens, a blatantly antisemitic influencer on the far right, and her podcast audience.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Nattie takes a job as a janitor at the hospital and finds a refuge in the library, striking up a friendship with the lonely librarian.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The streaming giant’s stock price doesn’t yet reflect it, but analysts’ uniformly positive reaction is perhaps the biggest vote of confidence by the Street since Netflix last month withdrew its proposal to acquire Warner Bros.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
-
If earnings are withdrawn early and don’t qualify for an exception, a 10% additional tax penalty may apply.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The sole occupant of the home was assaulted and tied up before the suspect stole several items from the home, including a vehicle, then used that vehicle to flee the scene, according to LeLacheur.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
All three suspects in the vehicle bailed and fled on foot, prompting assistance from both the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore City's Foxtrot.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Americans born in 1960 or later, full retirement age for Social Security is 67.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
District scrutiny and investigations Bill Elliott announced his retirement in January 2026 amid heightened scrutiny of the district's handling of Caleb Elliott's hiring and supervision.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Chicago Animal Care and Control officials took the dogs to the city's animal shelter for evaluation, and has asked anyone planning to surrender any animals to the city to hold off, if possible, to reduce the demand on the shelter.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But with Graves set to retire and not seek reelection, Kansas City stands on the brink of losing a seat at one of the most important tables in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Jose Franco retired five batters before leaving with two on.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
While some of the students were flying through the sky for dunks and layups, the impact of the courts goes beyond hoops, too.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
-
As the operation collapses into violence and betrayal his only way out is to keep flying.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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