Definitions and Examples of retreat, withdraw, recede
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To move back or away from a place or situation.
Example
The army was forced to retreat after facing heavy resistance from the enemy.
To remove or take away something; to retreat or pull back from a situation.
Example
He decided to withdraw his candidacy for the election after facing criticism from the public.
To move back or away from a point or limit; to become more distant.
Example
The floodwaters began to recede after several days of heavy rain.
Key Differences: retreat vs withdraw vs recede
- 1Retreat implies a deliberate movement back or away from a situation or place.
- 2Withdraw suggests a voluntary removal or pulling back from a situation.
- 3Recede describes a gradual movement away from a point or limit.
Effective Usage of retreat, withdraw, recede
- 1Military Strategy: Use retreat to describe a planned movement back from a battle or conflict.
- 2Business Negotiations: Use withdraw to describe a decision to remove an offer or proposal.
- 3Natural Disasters: Use recede to describe the gradual movement of floodwaters or tides.
Remember this!
The antonyms of advance describe the opposite of moving forward. Retreat implies a deliberate movement back, withdraw suggests a voluntary removal, and recede describes a gradual movement away. These words can be used in military strategy, business negotiations, and natural disaster descriptions.
