Retreat and Step forward

Opposite meaning terms

Retreat noun - An act of moving away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.

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Step forward is an antonym for retreat.

Nearby Words: retreated, retreating

Step forward verb - Make oneself visible; take action.

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Retreat is an antonym for step forward in topics: advancement, often quickly.

Cite this Source

Step forward and Retreat. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_forward

Retreat & Step forward. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_forward>.

Step forward or Retreat. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/retreat/step_forward.

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