Definition Synonyms
Definition of retreating - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
battle tacticsgoing backward, pulling away from a place or situation
- The troops were retreating after the failed attack.
2.
withdrawalpulling back from a commitment or stance
- He was retreating from his earlier promises.
Noun
movementthe act of moving back from something
- The retreating of the army was swift and organized.
Origin of retreating
Latin, re- (again) + trahere (to draw) + -ing (action)
Terms with retreating included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
challenge
confront a challenge without retreating
bravery
behave bravely without retreating from challenges
military
act of retreating or pulling back
retreating
moving back or away from a place
defense
maintain position without retreating in a physical space
job or role
change to a similar position without advancing or retreating
retreating
retreat hastily to avoid confrontation
social
retreating from social activities
tactics
military action to protect retreating forces
commitment declaration
show firm belief or intention without hiding or retreating
movement
moving backward or retreating
retreat
the act of moving backward or retreating
indecisive
characterized by retreating from a decision or commitment
movement
moving backward or retreating
bravery
not retreating from danger or challenge
Examples of retreating in a sentence
The general ordered a halt to the retreating units. The retreating army left the city in silence. Her retreating attitude was evident in the negotiations. The retreating of the tide revealed rocks along the shore. The retreating of the troops left the outpost unprotected.
View all translations of retreating
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:en retraite, retraite, ...
- German:zurückweichend, Rückzug, ...
- Italian:in ritirata, ritirata, ...
- Spanish:replegado, retirada, ...
- Portuguese:em retirada, recuo, ...
- Chinese:撤退的, 后退, ...
- Japanese:退却する, 後退, ...
- Arabic:مُنْسَحِب, تَرَاجُع, ...
- Hebrew:נָסוֹג, נְסִיגָה, ...
- Russian:отступающий, отступление, ...
- Ukrainian:відступаючий, відступ, ...
- Hindi:पलायनरत, पीछे हटना, ...
Definition of retreat - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
withdrawalmove back from a position or place
- The army decided to retreat from the battlefield.
2.
lifestylegive up a plan or way of life
- They had to retreat from their ambitious project.
3.
privacyRare move to a place of privacy or seclusionRare
- He retreats to his cabin every weekend.
4.
glacierTECH. shrink back due to warmer temperaturesTECH.
- The glacier continues to retreat each year.
Noun
1.
withdrawalact of moving back from danger
- The army's retreat was swift and strategic.
2.
seclusionquiet place for rest or privacy
- She found peace at the mountain retreat.
3.
contemplationperiod of meditation or religious study
- He attended a spiritual retreat last summer.
4.
militaryRare UK ceremony for lowering the flagRare UK
- The retreat ceremony was held at sunset.
Images of retreat

quiet place for rest or privacy
Expressions with retreat
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leave quickly to avoid something
When the rain started, we beat a hasty retreat to the car.
withdraw from social interactions
She tends to retreat into her shell when she's feeling overwhelmed.
leave quickly due to danger or threat
When the storm hit, we beat a retreat.
leave a place quickly to avoid trouble or danger
He made his retreat before anyone noticed him.
indicate a strategic withdrawal
The CEO decided to sound the retreat from the failing market.
withdraw mentally to focus on personal thoughts
During stressful times, she retreats inside herself.
leave usual place to spend quiet time for reflection or rest
Every year, she goes on retreat to the mountains.
stop talking and become quiet on purpose
After the argument, he would retreat into silence.
withdrawing completely from a situation
The company was in full retreat from the failing market.
moving away from danger, defeat, or pressure
The army moved in retreat after losing the battle.
moving away completely and quickly from a situation
The army advanced, and the enemy fled in full-scale retreat.
protect someone while they move away from danger
The soldiers covered the captain's retreat during the battle.
planned withdrawal to avoid disadvantage
The army made a tactical retreat to regroup and strengthen their defenses.
legal requirement to avoid force if retreat is possible
The court discussed the duty to retreat in the case.
withdraw from a situation or commitment
After the argument, he decided to beat the retreat.
Origin of retreat
Latin, re- (back) + trahere (to draw)
Examples of retreat in a sentence
The hikers decided to retreat from the storm. After much debate, they decided to retreat from their strict diet. The company had to retreat from its expansion plans. She retreats to her garden to find peace. They retreat to the mountains for solitude. Scientists monitor how rapidly the ice sheets retreat.
The retreat of the glacier has revealed ancient landscapes. Their retreat from the battlefield was orderly. The sudden retreat saved them from the avalanche. The retreat offered a perfect escape from city life. They organized a weekend retreat for meditation. The retreat offered peace and quiet. She found solace during the retreat. The retreat was attended by all military personnel. During the retreat, the national anthem was played.
View all translations of retreat
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:se retirer, repli, ...
- German:zurückziehen, Rückzug, ...
- Italian:ritirarsi, ritirata, ...
- Spanish:retirarse, retirada, ...
- Portuguese:recuar, retirada, ...
- Chinese:撤退, 隐居地, ...
- Japanese:撤退する, 撤退, ...
- Arabic:اِنْسَحَبَ, اِنسِحاب, ...
- Hebrew:לָסֶגֶת, נְסִיגָה, ...
- Russian:отступить, отступление, ...
- Ukrainian:відступати, відступ, ...
- Hindi:पीछे हटना, वापसी, ...
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