RETREAT Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retreat' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back , recede , and retract . While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached. // retreating soldiers

Q: When is 'back' a more appropriate choice than 'retreat'?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out , or off to refer to any retrograde motion. // backed off on the throttle

Q: When would 'recede' be a good substitute for 'retreat'?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space. // the flood waters gradually receded

Q: When could 'retract' be used to replace 'retreat'?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position. // a cat retracting its claws

retreat 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈtrēt

Definition of retreat next

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

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

retreat

2 of 2

verb

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retreat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retreat are back, recede, and retract. While all these words mean "to move backward," retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

When is back a more appropriate choice than retreat?

The words back and retreat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

When would recede be a good substitute for retreat?

While the synonyms recede and retreat are close in meaning, recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

When could retract be used to replace retreat?

The words retract and retreat can be used in similar contexts, but retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of retreat

Noun

Designers can use woven textures, soothing neutral palettes and organic shapes to establish spa-like retreats in guest rooms or bathrooms. —

Roger Sands, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 These compact structures make great guest houses, home offices, or creative retreats. —

Toni Sutton, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025

Verb

While Biden criticized social media companies for retreating from fact-checking on their platforms, Trump’s incoming communications director and press secretary were sharing posts on X that falsely claimed Biden’s address was a prerecorded speech. —

Chris Megerian, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Between November 2024 and mid-January 2025, Bitcoin retreated from its $106,000 peak to around $92,000. —

Roomy Khan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for retreat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat

Noun

Trump has previously tried to remove the U.S. from the organization, issuing a notice of withdrawal in 2020.

— Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
One consequence has been a withdrawal from some daily decision-making and some time to work on the foundation, which is led by him and Elena—and also to rack up cross-country-skiing marathons, and to design an art work for the new tower that his firm has designed for JPMorgan in New York.

— Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025