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
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
Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Feb. 2025
The retreat pop-ups include a wellness workshop led by Highland Project mindfulness practitioners, as well as opportunities for attendees to foster true connections with one another.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
As some businesses retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives amid President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI programs, consumers are protesting by calling for a 24-hour spending blackout this month.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Noun
Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told donors at a Palm Beach, Florida, retreat that the Republican Party should prepare for the most expensive race in its history, an attendee told Politico.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Feb. 2025
The retreat pop-ups include a wellness workshop led by Highland Project mindfulness practitioners, as well as opportunities for attendees to foster true connections with one another.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
The initiative follows widespread backlash against major retailers and corporations accused of retreating from DEI commitments after the Trump administration took steps to dismantle federal DEI programs.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
As some businesses retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives amid President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI programs, consumers are protesting by calling for a 24-hour spending blackout this month.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for retreat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat
Noun
-
The memo also mandated the removal of DEI materials and the withdrawal of documents that conflicted with the new directives.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Radio Begum launched on International Women’s Day in March 2021, just five months before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from the region.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Nomadic Bedouin tribes have long sought temporary refuge in the city.—
Hannah Edgar,
ARTnews.com,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Many have sought refuge in sprawling outdoor areas, living for months in makeshift tents made of cloth and nylon – with little access to warmth, electricity or heating.—
Kareem Khadder,
CNN,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Another clash is set to play out at the U.N. on Monday after the U.S. proposed a competing resolution that lacks the same demands as one from Ukraine and the European Union for Moscow’s forces to immediately withdraw from the country.—
Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The survey also found that while more than half of Russians said the war had a mostly negative effect on their daily lives, compared to five months ago, fewer people supported Putin withdrawing troops without achieving the war's goals.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
By the late 1970s, hundreds of thousands of refugees had fled the country by boat and overland, flooding into Hong Kong and Thailand.—
Thomas Doherty,
The Hollywood Reporter,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Context: Many of the displaced are descendants of refugees who were expelled or fled from their homes during the wars surrounding the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, a period known in Arabic as the Nakba.—
Natasha Frost,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Luka Dončić records triple double in first game against Dallas Mavericks WNBA legend Diana Taurasi announces retirement And the Thunder are doing all of that even though their opening day roster had the youngest age (24.15) and least experience (2.56 seasons) of any franchise.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
-
While around 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 daily, the median household retirement savings for those between the ages 65 and 75 stands around $200,000—a fraction of what’s needed to fund a 20- or 30-year retirement.—
Mike Vietri,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Fun fact: The building doubled as a bomb shelter during the Cold War, said Moletz.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Boasting almost one million views, the slideshow shows the minuscule pup during his time at the shelter: dressed in brightly-colored sweaters, resting on colorful, warm blankets, and surrounded by toys—many of them bigger than him.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Bosh having to retire due to blood clots is one of the most extreme situations and is not necessarily going to be the case for Wembanyama.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Mining engineering programs have been closing in both Europe and North America, and the generation of senior mining executives who helped build mines globally during the commodities boom is retiring.—
Anthony Milewski,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Jack then tells Portia to not return to the White Lotus and wait for Tanya and to go to the airport and fly home instead.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Its feathers confirmed its ability to fly, albeit not with the grace of modern birds.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share