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.
retreating
-
present participleof retreat.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Ice typically builds up throughout the long, dark winter, reaching its greatest extent in March before retreating during the warmer months to a September minimum.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026
Applied Materials stock is retreating back toward a key technical level.
From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026
A third witness said Eritrean troops appeared to be retreating north.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
Spire expanding in Munich does not necessarily mean it is retreating from Glasgow.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
I could feel myself pulling away, retreating inward, wanting to save him and myself by sacrificing this newfound happiness, and I knew he felt it happening.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
