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
Relevance
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
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 June 2026
The retreat aims to deepen connections to nature and local culture while supporting conservation efforts in the Smokies.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
As Aiyuk retreated to the shadows, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers voided $27 million in guarantees for 2026, but that was done prior to training camp in late July, reportedly because of Aiyuk’s failure to comply with the 49ers’ rehabilitation plans.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Back inside, the primary suite serves as a private retreat with a fireplace, two bathrooms, built-ins, and expansive windows.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 June 2026
The retreat aims to deepen connections to nature and local culture while supporting conservation efforts in the Smokies.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Verb
Tortorello said O’Mara would say Mass in the morning with the sisters, the students and staff, and also presided over the large, all-school masses and the Kairos retreats.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
As Aiyuk retreated to the shadows, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the 49ers voided $27 million in guarantees for 2026, but that was done prior to training camp in late July, reportedly because of Aiyuk’s failure to comply with the 49ers’ rehabilitation plans.
—Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
For example, stopping antidepressants or anxiety medication can lead to severe worsening of the condition or potentially dangerous withdrawals.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Generally, earnings can be withdrawn after age 59½ without taxes or penalties — and there are certain exceptions to the 10% penalty on earnings withdrawals before that age.—
Jessica Dickler,Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
The department did not immediately respond to a request Sunday for comment about where the eagles took up refuge.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
And on June 1, the Jaguar that served as Diana's refuge will become the centerpiece of an auction at The Market auction house in South Oxfordshire, the same business responsible for sales including Queen Elizabeth II's Daimler, George Michael's Range Rover, and Sean Connery's BMW.—
Diego Parrado,
Vanity Fair,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Hulst and Toomey decided to withdraw from the mile at the State meet.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Generally, the pre-tax money that’s deposited in traditional IRAs cannot be withdrawn before age 59½ without paying a 10% early-withdrawal tax penalty, unless an exception is met.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
He was spotted ducking down in a field as traffic passed by and fled before he was found in a small cave, police have said.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
If your husband can limit his exposure to them without having to flee his own house, the situation may feel less awkward.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Looking at what the department could offer officers for competitive salaries and retirement is critical to retention, Carranza said.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
-
Finally, somebody is getting forced out of a job and into an early retirement who actually deserves it!—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
-
Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
After teaching at Bard College for over two decades, Sante has retired from academia and lives in Kingston, New York.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Deputy Public Defender Carlos Bido said in court that Perry is retired and received an honorable discharge from the military.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Starship and Blue Moon both have a ways to go before NASA will certify the vehicles to fly astronauts, so any time lost on that front by Blue Origin could further narrow NASA's options and increase the risk of setbacks to the agency's lunar landing timeline.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
-
To better understand the challenges Blue Origin now faces, Ars spoke with several SpaceX veterans who experienced the AMOS-6 failure and worked the long days afterward to get the Falcon 9 rocket flying and rebuild the shattered facility at Space Launch Complex-40.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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