Synonyms of retiring

retiring 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-iŋ 

as in withdrawn

not comfortable around people

one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawn
• shy
• lone
• bashful
• introverted
• backward
• diffident
• coy
• modest
• sheepish
• recessive
• reserved
• demure
• embarrassed
• self-effacing
• awkward
• antisocial
• unsociable
• inhibited
• unassertive
• unsocial
• lone-wolf
• uneasy
• uptight
• unadventurous
• unenterprising
• self-conscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outgoing
• extroverted
• social
• immodest
• gregarious
• companionable
• sociable
• convivial
• boon
• dashing
• bold
• forceful
• forward
• clubbable
• uninhibited
• unreserved
• brash
• overbold

retiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of retire

1

as in settling

to go to one's bed in order to sleep

I'm exhausted, so I think I'll retire for the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• settling
• sleeping
• bedding
• napping
• crashing
• turning in
• hitting the hay
• bunking
• dozing
• dossing (down)
• nodding
• dropping off
• snoozing
• roosting
• perching
• lying (down)
• reclining
• slumbering
• couching

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rising
• arising
• waking
• uprising
• awakening
• getting up
• awaking
• wakening
• rousing
• stirring
• arousing
• reawakening
• shifting
• bestirring
• reawaking

2

as in sacking

to let go from office, service, or employment

as a part of its restructuring, the company has begun to retire its older employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sacking
• dismissing
• removing
• firing
• releasing
• terminating
• axing
• discharging
• canning
• downsizing
• mustering out
• cashiering
• pink-slipping
• turning off
• bouncing
• showing (someone) the door
• sending packing
• trimming
• laying off
• furloughing
• separating
• excessing
• unseating
• kicking out
• drumming (out)
• chucking (out)
• booting (out)
• throwing out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• employing
• hiring
• retaining
• engaging
• keeping
• signing (up or on)
• taking on
• contracting
• rehiring
• recruiting
• reemploying
• subcontracting

3

as in withdrawing

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

the insurgents have retired to the outskirts of the city, but appear to be readying themselves for another offensive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawing
• retreating
• fleeing
• receding
• falling back
• pulling out
• evacuating
• giving way
• dropping back
• losing ground
• backing away
• flying
• leaving
• shrinking
• departing
• giving ground
• flinching
• recoiling
• detaching
• going
• vacating
• abandoning
• quitting
• disengaging
• backtracking
• climbing down
• pulling away
• backing down
• disentangling
• bowing out
• backpedaling
• chickening (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advancing
• facing
• confronting
• daring
• defying
• breasting
• braving
• brazening
• outbraving
• bearding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retiring

Adjective

Rangel, a mustachioed, natty dresser rarely seen with a hair out of place, hardly had a reputation for a shy and retiring personality. — Daily News Staff, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025

After running more than 400 games, the researchers concluded that a fully passive style of scavenging – snatching some carrion when no one is looking – was too retiring and less than ideal. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023

Austen’s most retiring and internal heroine, spends much of the movie chatting to the camera, even giving sarcastic glances and eye rolls in the middle of the action. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 July 2022

So a more retiring co-parent certainly can be, say, the homework explainer and behind-the-scenes calendar keeper while the more outgoing parent takes meetings and makes phone calls – absolutely. — Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2018

In part, that's because Hemsley is probably the most retiring, publicity-adverse CEO heading an iconic company. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2017

Verb

The Bowl shows will mark the first band’s first appearances after abruptly retiring in 2024 after lead singer Steven Tyler sustained an injury to his larynx three shows into their final tour in 2023 that was not expected to fully heal. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

That’s a notable turn from just a few years ago, when Fortune reported that boomers remained fixated on retiring in Florida even as rising costs priced many of their peers out. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

The only place surveyed where the Republican is ahead in the campaign for the governor’s office is Kansas, now held by a retiring Democrat. — Ruth Igielnik, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

As he gets set to replace a retiring Colette Watson as head of Rogers Media, Pelley will oversee a portfolio that includes the Sportsnet channel and another 30 TV networks and over 40 radio stations. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Of the roughly 1,100 allegations against staff members, approximately 320 resulted in an employee resigning or retiring before any final disciplinary action or termination, according to the report. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Despite the success of Falcon and Dragon, a peek at SpaceX’s business book may hint at financial reasons for retiring the vehicles. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Since retiring from basketball, Smith has become a competitive golfer and was recently involved with The Pro Tour, a new golf league featuring former professional athletes from other sports. — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Dawkins was a nine-time Pro Bowler and five time All-Pro safety during 16 NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos before retiring in 2011. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026