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
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retreat
Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
There, she’s forced to confront her doppelgänger at the wellness retreat that the woman runs for wannabe parents.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
The document laid out plans for the Polish army to retreat westward to the Vistula River, which runs through the center of Poland, in case of an invasion from the east by Russia.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Garrison recently hosted a multi-day retreat, held in downtown Kansas City, featuring eight presenters, a vendor marketplace and social making time.
—Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
There, she’s forced to confront her doppelgänger at the wellness retreat that the woman runs for wannabe parents.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Often used as a political weapon, the term conjures images of a retreating America, indifferent to global challenges.
—Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
The document laid out plans for the Polish army to retreat westward to the Vistula River, which runs through the center of Poland, in case of an invasion from the east by Russia.
—arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The Mouse House’s commitment is critical to budgets, storylines, and casting, meaning its withdrawal could mean major changes to the show.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
-
The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment regarding either the Alabama ruling of the Title X funding withdrawal.—
Ivana Saric,
Axios,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Tesla Cybertruck Is The Auto Industry’s Biggest Flop In Decades Greg, of course, has returned for Season 3 and has found refuge from authorities on a lush Thai estate with his new and much younger girlfriend, Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon).—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Spencer Platt | Getty Images News | Getty Images Manhattan apartment sales jumped 29% in the first quarter from the same period a year ago, as the wealthy sought refuge from volatile stocks to buy real estate, according to new reports.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Zoom in: The decision came shortly after USAGM special adviser Kari Lake withdrew an order to terminate the 2025 funding grant for VOA's sister broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.—
Sara Fischer,
Axios,
1 Apr. 2025
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Waltz is now Trump's national security advisor, but Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Khalaf is also writing a TV series entitled The Syrian Doctor about a medic who arrested and tortured in 2012 for treating pro-democracy protestors and then flees to France with his three-year-old daughter.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2025
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The would-be thieves got inside a waiting Lexus sedan and fled the scene, police said.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There was a stat in The Times that said 40% of footballers go broke four years after retirement.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
4 Apr. 2025
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That selloff directly affected the retirement savings and other investments of a majority of U.S. consumers.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Unable to care for them, and hoping the 5- and 7-year-old beloved pets would be able to find a new home quickly, the owner brought them to the shelter and tearfully wished them well.—
Donna Vickroy,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2025
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They are thought to live in three groups in both large communal huts and more informal shelters on the beach.—
Esha Mitra,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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O'Keefe was found on the front lawn of another Boston police officer who has since retired, Brian Albert.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Swanson is a mystery and could retire, Lavelle hasn't been at her best since 2021.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Ed O’Keefe, meanwhile, flew to Ontario to examine the effect of Trump tariffs on electricity from Canada.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The mom and son were flown to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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