Synonyms for
Retreat
Definition
To move back or withdraw from something.
Synonyms & similar words
pullinoneshorns
retire
crawfishout
moveback
recede
hideaway
withdraw
retirement
retrograde
pullback
backout
backaway
advance
pullaway
drawback
crawfish
withdrawal
backdown
fallback
evacuation
departure
pullback
retraction
reverse
reversal
retirement
seclusion
solitude
privacy
sanctuary
shelter
hideaway
hideout
haven
asylum
sanctum
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- strategic retreat
- military retreat
- order a retreat
- beat a retreat
- plan a retreat
- a hasty retreat
- force a retreat
Word family
Usage note
While 'retreat' can refer to a physical withdrawal, it is also commonly used for a period of quiet contemplation or religious observance. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.
Example sentences
- I had to retreat from the bees when they started buzzing around me.
- The army had to retreat from the enemy's attack.
- During the game, we had to retreat to the dugout because of the rain.
- The hiker had to retreat to a nearby cave when a storm hit.
- When the teacher asked a question, the shy student would retreat to the back of the classroom.
Quotes
In war, there are no winners, only losers on both sides who retreat to lick their wounds. - Jeannette Walls
Retreat, hell! We're just attacking in a different direction. - Oliver P. Smith
Retreat, hell we just got here. - Lloyd W. Williams