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
Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
This oversized throw blanket comes in queen and king sizes to make your bed feel like an airy retreat on the hottest nights.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Their near miss underscores the threat to ships and local communities as retreating glaciers destabilize the landscape.
—Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Some mountaineers may have regarded the retreat as a failure of nerve.
—Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
This oversized throw blanket comes in queen and king sizes to make your bed feel like an airy retreat on the hottest nights.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
Mindfulness programming is where retreats either invest or coast.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Their near miss underscores the threat to ships and local communities as retreating glaciers destabilize the landscape.
—Megan I. Gannon, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
News of the troop withdrawal drew swift condemnation from Democrats in Congress and members of a hawkish Washington think tank.—
Ben Finley,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
News of the withdrawal was reported earlier by The New York Times, Reuters and other outlets.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Mystic provided an annual refuge for girls still searching for independence, and many who had spent time at Mystic felt relief to see the camp remain in family hands with a new generation of Eastlands.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
Oystershell scale refers to small insects, resembling their namesake in appearance, that take refuge on lilac bark.—
Emily Leahy,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
For 2026, you are allowed to withdraw up to $20,000 for allowable educational expenses.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 lays out a timeline for when lawmakers must be notified of hostilities and when a president is required to withdraw American forces from a conflict in the absence of congressional authorization.—
May 1,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
One of the drivers involved fled the scene on foot before first-responders arrived, according to authorities.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
-
The driver fled, and deputies followed.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The groups cited a Vanguard study that found the retirement wealth of nonprofit workers could increase at least $525 million annually if CITs were allowed in 403(b) plans.—
Taylor Millard,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
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The website will provide information about high-quality, low-cost independent retirement accounts and ensure a contribution match for those who open an IRA listed on the site.—
Britta Miller,
The Washington Examiner,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Wu’s office said the veterans department will continue to provide core services to all qualifying veterans and provide financial and medical assistance to qualifying veterans and their dependents with limited incomes for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as required by state law.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
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This rock hollowed out by erosion and walled up with stones was likely used by shepherds as a shelter near the historic Sardinian village of Tempio Pausania.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Mary Brown retired after coaching boys and girls volleyball in the district for 19 years, including the past eight years with the Knights’ boys team.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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But, after the couple retired and migrated south to Mexico City, Hurst dove back into photography with gusto, until his death, from cancer, in 2023.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The passenger's 69-year-old wife leaves and flies to South Africa.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Passengers were already paying more to fly – even before the industry lost the budget airline famous for pushing fares lower.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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