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Definitions

retreat

[ri-treet] / rɪˈtrit /
NOUN
departure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
evacuation flight withdrawal
STRONG
ebb retirement
Antonyms
WEAK
advance arrival coming
NOUN
place one goes for peace
Synonyms
STRONGEST
haven hideaway refuge resort sanctuary shelter
STRONG
ark asylum cell cloister convent cover covert defense den habitat harbor haunt hermitage port privacy retirement seclusion security solitude
WEAK
adytum hiding place ivory tower safe house safe place
Antonyms
WEAK
advance arrival coming
VERB
pull back, go away
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abandon back down back off backtrack depart escape evacuate fall back go go back hide leave pull out recede reel retire reverse shrink withdraw
STRONG
avoid back decamp disengage ebb elude evade fold quail quit recoil regress relinquish resign retrograde run sequester vacate
WEAK
back away back out beat it cave in draw back give ground go along with hand over keep aloof keep apart lay down move back opt out retrocede seclude oneself start back turn tail
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance come continue enter forge forward go forward keep meet remain stay
STRONG
face take on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The sworn opponents of high culture did not retreat; they organized.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

So what prompted the retreat to the sidelines?

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

These were to soften our under-eyes, the only bags at the retreat without Chanel branding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

It may well be that the duo have decided to relocate to one of their other impressive properties, which include a home in London and a countryside retreat in upstate New York.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

My eyes stared straight ahead, even though I could hear them close ranks behind me, cutting off any retreat.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Vocabulary lists containing retreat

Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal

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"Of Mice and Men"

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"Marriage is a Private Affair" by Chinua Achebe

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!