retreat
noun
the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action.
retreated
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past participleof retreat.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof retreat.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
retreatnounthe forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With mortgage rates in the 6% to 7% range over the past few years, buyers have retreated.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026
Shares of companies sensitive to rate changes retreated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Shares of the home builders retreated after weak housing data showed the toll that rising mortgage rates are taking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Whether by sea, by air or by upscale shopping street, La Jolla is likely to grab you, especially in fall after the summer tourist legions have retreated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
She retreated even further behind the invisible door and locked it behind her.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
