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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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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Back away slowly: Slowly back away while facing the animal and avoid running or turning your back. Find refuge: If possible, retreat to a vehicle or building.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Outreach workers who live among farmworkers are withdrawing a little, too.—
Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
After heated arguments and several conversations in chambers, Weinstein’s team agreed to withdraw the motion, so long as a stipulation was given to the jury about the notetaking.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The would-be thieves got inside a waiting Lexus sedan and fled the scene, police said.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The suspect fled the scene after the stabbing, police said.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Bettencourt Meyers, who announced her retirement from L'Oréal’s board in February, was the richest woman in the world for about two and a half years before Walmart heiress Alice Walton surpassed her in September. 4.—
Sylvan Lebrun,
Forbes.com,
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
-
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
-
The five dogs were removed from the area and taken to a shelter.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
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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On Wednesday, a different plane flying the same route from Charlotte to Augusta also experienced a mechanical issue, American Airlines told CNN.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The 27 satellites will be the heaviest payload ever flown on an Atlas V and require ULA to launch it in its most-powerful configuration using five strap-on solid rocket boosters.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreat. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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