retreating

noun

the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)

withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation

an area where you can be alone

(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset

(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position

a place of privacy

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

verb

make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity

move back

move away, as for privacy

pull back or move away or backward

Roots

trahotreat- · Latin · draw, pull

Synonyms for retreating

decliningv sinkingn

Synonyms & related words for retreating

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Words related to retreating

Explore words related to retreating — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include retreated, recede, withdraw, retreats, hideaway, retreater, retirement, deserting. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for retreating

Common synonyms for retreating include declining, sinking — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does retreating come from?

The word retreating breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root treat-, from Latin traho (“draw, pull”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.