Retreat and Step back

Related terms

Retreat verb - To move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable).

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Step back and retreat are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Step back" instead a verb "Retreat".

Nearby Words: retreated, retreating

Definitions of Retreat not found.

Retreat and step back are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Retreat" instead a verb "Step back".

He has the advantage that you can't make him retreat or step back.

Source: Attack! Attack! Attack!
For a retreat, simply reverse the order: Push off with your front foot as you step back with your back foot, and then withdraw the front foot so you are back in guard.

Source: Useful Notes / European Swordsmanship

Cite this Source

Step back and Retreat. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 01, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_back

Retreat & Step back. N.p., 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_back>.

Step back or Retreat. 2016. Accessed August 01, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_back.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "retreat" and "step back" have occurred on timeline