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retire Synonyms

Another word for retire

Choosing another word for retire depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To leave one's job or career permanently, typically upon reaching a certain age or after many years of service.

Usage Example

"After forty years of teaching high school chemistry, she decided to step down and travel around the country."

Strong
step down
resign
Weak
quit

• verb (Context 2)

To withdraw to a quiet or secluded place, or to go to bed for the night.

Usage Example

"Exhausted from the long journey, the guests decided to withdraw to their rooms early."

Strongest
withdraw
Strong
turn in
retreat

• verb (Context 3)

To remove an item, vehicle, or piece of equipment from active service, circulation, or official use.

Usage Example

"The airline plans to decommission its older aircraft over the next three years in favor of more fuel-efficient models."

Strongest
decommission
phase out
Strong
withdraw
scrap

• verb (Context 4)

To put out a batter or side (in baseball or cricket), or to withdraw from a race or match before completion due to injury.

Usage Example

"The relief pitcher managed to put out the side in the ninth inning to secure the victory."

Strong
put out
dismiss
drop out

Opposites of retire

The opposite of retire shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

introduce
get up
commission
arise
stay
deploy
remain
work
See all opposites of retire

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Retire. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/retire
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