retreat
23 synonyms and 14 antonyms for retreat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of pulling back from danger, especially a military withdrawal.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use retreat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French retret, ultimately from Latin retrahere, "to draw back" — a doublet of "retract."
Full origin of retreat →Frequently asked questions
What does “retreat” mean?
The word “retreat” means the act of pulling back from danger, especially a military withdrawal. In plain terms, pulling back from danger or difficulty, or a peaceful getaway for rest and reflection.
How do you pronounce “retreat”?
“Retreat” is pronounced rih-TREET (/ɹɪˈtɹiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “retreat” in a sentence?
Here is “retreat” used in a sentence: “The army sounded the retreat as enemy forces closed in.”
What is another word for “retreat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “retreat” include back away, back down, balk, beat a retreat, bug out and crawfish.
What is the opposite of “retreat”?
The opposite of “retreat” — its antonyms — are advance, charge, gain ground, forge ahead and lunge.
What part of speech is “retreat”?
Depending on how it is used, “retreat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “retreat” come from?
The word “retreat” comes from Latin. From Old French retret, ultimately from Latin retrahere, "to draw back" — a doublet of "retract.".
Is “retreat” a common word?
“Retreat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between retreat and withdrawal?
A retreat is the act of pulling back from danger, especially a hurried or forced military move away from the enemy. A withdrawal is a broader, often more orderly or planned removal of forces, so a retreat tends to imply pressure or defeat while a withdrawal can be strategic and calm.
What is the difference between retreat and advance?
Retreat means to move backward, away from danger or an opponent, while advance means to move forward toward a goal or enemy. They are direct opposites in military and everyday use.
When should you use retreat to mean a peaceful place?
Use retreat for a quiet, restful location or a set-aside period away from ordinary life, as in 'a mountain retreat' or 'a weekend meditation retreat.' In this sense it is positive and calming, unlike the military meaning of pulling back from danger.
Is retreat a noun or a verb?
Retreat works as both. As a noun it names a withdrawal or a peaceful place, as in 'a hasty retreat' or 'a spa retreat.' As a verb it means to move back or seek shelter, as in 'the troops retreated.'