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

Newsom’s quiet retreat is disappointing, because cost and reliability aren’t the only factors to consider. —

Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 Outside the castle-like brick-and-timber home is a sumptuous environment rivaling any Lake Como retreat. —

Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

As the group of hunters retreated from the base of the tree, one of them shot the bear, the department said. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024 Everyone is tempted to retreat, except for Louise, who plans a Spartan attack. —

Lillian Brown, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retreat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreat

Noun

These sorts of personal scandals have precipitated the failure or withdrawal of many past nominees.

Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Even during the chaotic 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden’s staffers reportedly pushed top lawmakers, including the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, away from the commander in chief.

Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024