RETREATS Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

retreats 1 of 2

noun

plural of retreat

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

retreats

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of retreat

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

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

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 retreats

Noun

With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 After hours, Neo-Vision parks his body in the bar’s walk-in fridge and retreats to a mind palace modeled after a British country manor. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 While traditional spa retreats still have their place, there’s a case for dedicating an entire trip to being a beginner, then continuing to build those skills at home. — Julia Eskins, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 Fortune’s efforts to speak directly with participants in Armstrong’s and Lev’s retreats were unsuccessful. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 The Key Biscayne waterfront compound became one of the most recognizable presidential retreats of the era. — Luisa Yanez october 7, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 But change isn’t the same thing as a reset, and that’s where the promises around these retreats get a little more complicated. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Wellness travelers tend to spend more per trip than the average tourist, and gut-health retreats can come with some eye-popping price tags. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

But even as the characters reflect at length on the virtue of putting themselves out there, their series too often retreats within itself instead. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 Olivia Studio60, Womack Studios, Disney+ A celebrity TV weatherman retreats with his daughter to his estranged father’s olive groves, reopening old wounds. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical drama centers on a writer haunted by deserting his delusional mother Amanda and sister Laura, who’s painfully shy and retreats to her collection of glass animals. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 The front retreats to the north, but chances of rain stick around into early Friday as the shortwave (small disturbance) pushes out of the area. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Twice a day, the tide retreats from the shoreline, sometimes for up to two miles. — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 As his mind retreats to the hues of old movies, Charlotte breaks the fog with a glimmer of humanity. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retreats

Noun

Set aside sufficient cash The best way to avoid eroding your savings during a big sell-off is to have enough cash in reserves to manage your expenses, and required withdrawals, for a six to 12-month period.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Low withdrawals and minimums are one of the key features of Fanatics.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdrawals

Verb

Popular airline withdraws from three locations, leaving travelers with fewer routes.

— , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Investopedia made a state-by-state set of estimates for a single retiree who collects the average Social Security benefit of $1,975 a month and withdraws 4% of savings a year.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraws

Verb

For example, if a bank robbery suspect flees in a vehicle and witnesses provide only a description, investigators can search the database for vehicles matching that description.

— Gino Vicci, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
The agent then flees into the titular pawn shop as a mob of protesters pursue him.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of flees

Noun

With a pending lockout, expiring player contracts and possible retirements, who knows what the future will hold.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
My constituents are worried about their utilities, their interest rates and their retirements.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of retirements

Verb

Figure 02 leaves the fleet Figure’s newer platform also arrives as the company retires its predecessor.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Furthermore, if a Republican justice retires should Democrats win the Senate, the move will almost certainly be viewed as purely partisan.

— The Conversation, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of retires

Verb

When the group gets close to a nest, the mother duck usually flies off, giving everyone a chance to spot the eggs hidden in the cover crop.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Back then, the company — which also flies the workhorse Electron small-satellite launcher — targeted a 2024 debut for the 141-foot-tall (42 meters) Neutron, which features a reusable first stage.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026