1
a(1)
: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
(2)
: the process of receding from a position or state attained
the retreat of a glacier
b(1)
: the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position
(2)
: a signal for retreating
c(1)
: a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony
(2)
: a military flag-lowering ceremony
2
: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3
: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
retreated; retreating; retreats
: to draw or lead back : remove
specifically
: to move (a piece) back in chess
retreater
noun
Synonyms
Examples of retreat in a Sentence
Noun
Some of her friends were surprised by her retreat from public life following her defeat in the election.
we made a strategic retreat when we realized that we were outnumbered
Verb
When the enemy attacked, our troops were forced to retreat.
They retreated behind trees for safety.
He quickly retreated from the room.
After her defeat, she retreated from politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
There are cosy rooms and retreats throughout, from the comfy bar to the quiet reading room all with breathtaking views over the lake and the fells beyond.
—Natasha Langan, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
The crowds had retreated to their cabins and RVs, the click of cameras replaced by the trill of crickets.
—Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retreat 
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Noun
The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada, offers a diverse range of activities for tourists, including wine tasting, outdoor adventures, and spa retreats.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
There are cosy rooms and retreats throughout, from the comfy bar to the quiet reading room all with breathtaking views over the lake and the fells beyond.
—Natasha Langan, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
Seasoned diplomats worry that retreating from that posture would enable autocrats around the world, including Vladimir Putin and his aims of Russian expansionism.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
The crowds had retreated to their cabins and RVs, the click of cameras replaced by the trill of crickets.
—Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for retreat
Dictionary Entries Near retreat
Cite this Entry
“Retreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retreat. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
retreat
1 of 2 noun
re·treat
ri-ˈtrēt 
1
a
: an act of going away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
b
: a military retreat from the enemy
c
: a signal for retreating
2
: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3
: a period of withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
went on a spiritual retreat
retreat
2 of 2 verb1
: to make a retreat
2
: to slope backward
retreater
noun
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