What does "retreat" mean?
The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
Retreat
/ɹɪˈtɹiːt/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
- Grammar: retreat is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: back away, crawfish, draw back, hideaway.
- Useful contrasts: constant thrust, direct thrusts, entrenched.
- Usage evidence: I was uncertain whether to advance or to retreat.
How to use "retreat"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "retreat" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "retreat" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "retreat" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "retreat" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "retreat" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "back away" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "retreat", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
"In a retreat he outruns any lackey."
- 2 the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant) wordnet
- 3 The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.; The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.
- 4 withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation wordnet
- 5 The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.; Withdrawal by a military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.
"The general opted for a swift retreat because he saw his troops were vastly outnumbered."
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat wordnet
- 7 A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
"a mountain retreat"
- 8 an area where you can be alone wordnet
- 9 A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory. euphemistic, obsolete, rare
- 10 (military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset wordnet
- 11 A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.
"We both need a week retreat after those two stressful years working in the city."
- 12 (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position wordnet
- 13 A signal for a military withdrawal.
- 14 a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet wordnet
- 15 A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.
"to-morrow the Royal Standard will be hoisted at Edinburgh Castle from reveille to retreat."
- 16 A military ceremony to lower the flag.
- 17 The move of a piece from a threatened position.
Verb
- 1 To withdraw from a position, go back. intransitive
- 2 Alternative form of re-treat. alt-of, alternative, intransitive
- 3 make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity wordnet
- 4 To withdraw from a position, go back.; To withdraw military forces. intransitive
"The general refused to order his soldiers to retreat, despite being vastly outnumbered."
- 5 pull back or move away or backward wordnet
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures. (of a glacier) intransitive
- 7 move back wordnet
- 8 To slope back. intransitive
"a retreating forehead"
- 9 move away, as for privacy wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A locality in George Town council area and the City of Launceston, northern Tasmania, Australia.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I was uncertain whether to advance or to retreat."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "retreat"?
Common synonyms include: back away, crawfish, draw back, hideaway, recede, retire.
How do you use "retreat" in a sentence?
I was uncertain whether to advance or to retreat.
How do you pronounce "retreat"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈtɹiːt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.
Etymology 2
From re- + treat.