retreat

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'retreat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word when referring to a military action in which troops withdraw from an enemy, or when referring to a period of time spent away from other people or everyday life for rest and contemplation. Example sentence: After a long and difficult battle, the army was forced to retreat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The suggestion is viewed as a positive and pragmatic step by many, but there is no question it represents a significant retreat for the Church of England.

The Guardian

Rooms from £140 (marrakech-riad.co.uk/riad-star-homepage/) Le Palais Paysan This modern retreat opened in the foothills of the Atlas mountains this summer, offering respite from the heat and hustle of Marrakech, 25km away.

The Guardian - Travel

But if they don't back up their words with action and continue to deploy the filibuster and retreat of the old politics in the face of social inequality then they too will reap a bitter harvest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The UK is one of the most open and globally engaged cultures in the world; DfID (the Department for International Development) is a world leader in aid programming but politically we are in retreat," he said.

The Guardian

Instead I booked myself on a 10-day silent meditation retreat run by a Burmese monk in Thailand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are about 120 of us doing the Gujarat retreat, all but 10 of whom are Indian.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this breezy resort on Holland's North Sea coast is better known as an artists' retreat, its moody seascapes, endless dunes and extraordinary light attracting painters, writers and architects who have been leaving their mark on this laid-back and likable village since the 1900s.

The Guardian - Travel

The US has agreed to a package of military assistance for countries in the Arab Gulf, as escalating tensions with Iran serve as an ominous backdrop to their joint summit at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington.

The Guardian

He made the proposal in a wide ranging speech to the press gallery in which he also urged the Tories not to focus too much on Europe, and not to retreat into a "core vote" strategy.

The Guardian

Unsurprisingly, Number 10 beat a hasty retreat on this idea later in the day.

The Guardian

Where to stay The Landmark Trust has two stunning rooftop self-catering apartments in the beautiful Villa dei Vescovi, once a summer retreat for the bishops of Padua (from £603 for four nights, sleeps four, landmarktrust.org.uk).uk

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retreat" to describe a planned military withdrawal or a personal period of seclusion. Ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "retreat" when simply referring to relaxation. Save "retreat" for instances involving intentional withdrawal for a specific purpose, such as spiritual reflection or strategic repositioning.

Linguistic Context

The word "retreat" functions as both a noun, referring to a place or period of seclusion, and a verb, indicating the act of withdrawing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

30%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "retreat" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, indicating withdrawal or seclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and its usage is very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle content. When writing, it's crucial to use "retreat" for intentional withdrawals rather than simple relaxation. Alternatives such as "withdraw" or "seclude oneself" can be used depending on the specific context. In summary, "retreat" effectively conveys planned removal for specific purposes like strategic repositioning or spiritual reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw

Emphasizes the act of pulling back or removing oneself from a situation or place.

seclude oneself

Highlights the act of isolating oneself for privacy or contemplation.

go into seclusion

Similar to seclude oneself, focusing on entering a state of isolation.

fall back

Implies a strategic withdrawal, often in a military context.

pull out

Highlights the act of removing resources or involvement from a situation.

back down

Indicates a change in position or stance, often due to opposition or pressure.

recede

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or decrease in intensity.

recant

Implies a formal withdrawal of a statement or belief.

seek sanctuary

Implies finding refuge in a safe or peaceful place.

go on a sabbatical

Refers to taking a break from work for study or travel, a kind of personal retreat.

FAQs

How can I use "retreat" in a sentence?

You can use "retreat" to describe a military withdrawal, as in "The army was forced to retreat", or a period of seclusion, as in "She went on a silent meditation retreat".

What's a good alternative to using the word "retreat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "withdraw", "seclude oneself", or "fall back".

Is it correct to use "retreat" to describe a vacation?

While "retreat" can sometimes refer to a vacation, it typically implies a more intentional withdrawal for rest or reflection. A general vacation is usually just called a "trip".

What is the difference between "retreat" and "escape"?

"Retreat" suggests a planned withdrawal or seclusion, while "escape" implies fleeing from danger or unpleasantness. You might "retreat" to a quiet cabin for a writing project, but "escape" from a burning building.