1
as in withdrawals
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refuges
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 withdraws
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 flees
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 retreats
Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
These natural springs can be enjoyed at traditional properties like Fujiya Ryokan or at modern retreats such as Amanemu, where guests have access to spa onsens and private onsen baths in every suite and villa.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Through ConneXions, Hildebrandt offered individual therapy with couples and families, as well as group classes, couples workshops, week-long retreats and other online activities that all added up to thousands of dollars a month in income.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Ahead, 12 standout hotels in the Caribbean for a warm winter getaway, from high-end tropical retreats to more intimate boutique stays.
—Annie Daly, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
While some of these homes are occupied year-round, many serve as weekend retreats for people seeking to escape to island life.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Most co-curricular activities, like arts and leadership programs, would be shared, but spiritual programming and retreats would remain separate.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
One of Middle Tennessee's most storied creative retreats — and the birthplace of Taylor Swift's debut album — is officially up for sale.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025
Some justified their retreats by citing the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions.
—Essence, 10 Nov. 2025
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
As Gustav aims to work his way back into their lives, Nora retreats into isolation as her mental health increasingly declines.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Hokum – In Theaters May 1 The film follows reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott), who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, but the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
As Washington retreats from multilateralism and becomes more consumed by domestic polarization, Beijing will continue to exploit opportunities to advance its own geopolitical goals.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Another video geolocated by CNN captures the outstanding moment a bystander, who has since been named as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, then wrestles the gun off the shooter, before the gunman retreats to the bridge.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
Forecasts expect a return to more typical wintry temperatures by later in the month and into the new year as the polar vortex retreats back to the north — and La Niña returns to prominence.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025
Forecasts expect a return to more typical wintry temperatures by later in the month and into the new year as the polar vortex retreats back to the north — and La Niña returns to prominence.
—Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 11 Dec. 2025
After losing both her job and boyfriend, Jamie retreats to her small Texas hometown, where friends and flings from a fateful high school summer turn her life upside down.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
In Southern California, Ojai is a serene haven of spiritual retreats, boutique shopping, and lush orange groves.
—Verb
Brunson retreats and ultimately turns the ball over on a pass to Miles McBride.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats
Noun
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Another risk comes from early withdrawals.—
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The boycott led to enough withdrawals that PEN’s Jean Stein Award went unawarded for two years and the prize money was instead donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.—
Noun
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Hugging Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, Limón province is rich with natural wonders, from its white-sand beaches to its multiple wildlife refuges and volcanic landscapes.—
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Lodging options vary from winter campsites and rustic cottages, to cozy micro-refuges and larger chalets.—
Verb
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Musk withdraws the California suit in June, then files a federal suit in August.—
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If a parent later withdraws permission, the app developer must be notified to disable access.—
Verb
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Continue reading … OCEAN ESCAPE – Sanctioned tanker flees US forces, now under Russian naval escort off Irish coast.—
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Shane Stant clubs Kerrigan on the knee and flees the scene.—
Noun
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And don’t be surprised if there are more retirements, and possibly resignations, announced in the coming weeks.—
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Those expectations are prompting Republican retirements and energizing Democrats.—
Noun
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Will Sacramento shelters close?—
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Now, Sacramento city leaders are considering a ban on any new homeless shelters in the area.—
Verb
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When Moon abruptly retires, the narrator goes to Korea to find him.—
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Officials are also working to hire a new human resources director to succeed Susan Brazeau, who retires in March.—
Verb
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So instead, to keep costs down and power up, the Starcloud satellite flies what is known as a dawn-dusk sun-synchronous orbit, circling the planet at a near vertical 83° angle that carries it over the poles and keeps it almost constantly exposed to the sun.—
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Across the canyon, flames leapt up the Paseo Miramar trail, still two miles away as the crow flies, but already too close to ignore.—
Cite this Entry
“Retreats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retreats. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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