retiring
adjective
re·tir·ing ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-iŋ 
: reserved, shy
retiringly
ri-ˈtī(-ə)r-iŋ-lē
adverb retiringness noun
Synonyms
- backward
- bashful
- coy
- demure
- diffident
- introverted
- modest
- recessive
- self-effacing
- sheepish
- shy
- withdrawn
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a shy, retiring young woman one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party
Recent Examples on the Web 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
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 Word History
First Known Use
1566, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
retiring
adjective
re·tir·ing
ri-ˈtīr-iŋ
: shy entry 1 sense 2, reserved
retiring 1 of 2
adjective
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people one retiring young girl was sitting alone quietly in a corner during the party Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- withdrawn
- shy
- bashful
- lone
- introverted
- diffident
- reserved
- coy
- backward
- sheepish
- modest
- embarrassed
- demure
- self-effacing
- recessive
- awkward
- antisocial
- inhibited
- unsociable
- unassertive
- uptight
- unsocial
- unadventurous
- unenterprising
- uneasy
- lone-wolf
- self-conscious
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- outgoing
- extroverted
- extraverted
- gregarious
- social
- companionable
- sociable
- immodest
- dashing
- convivial
- boon
- clubable
- bold
- forceful
- forward
- clubbable
- unreserved
- uninhibited
- brash
- overbold
retiring
2 of 2verb
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 sack
- dozing
- bunking
- hitting the hay
- snoozing
- nodding
- dropping off
- roosting
- reclining
- dossing (down)
- perching
- slumbering
- couching
- lying (down)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rising
- arising
- waking
- awakening
- uprising
- awaking
- getting up
- rousing
- stirring
- shifting
- reawakening
- wakening
- arousing
- bestirring
- stirring
- 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
- axing
- terminating
- downsizing
- canning
- cashiering
- discharging
- pink-slipping
- mustering out
- turning off
- excessing
- bouncing
- sending packing
- showing (someone) the door
- furloughing
- trimming
- laying off
- unseating
- separating
- kicking out
- throwing out
- booting (out)
- drumming (out)
- chucking (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hiring
- retaining
- employing
- engaging
- keeping
- rehiring
- signing (up or on)
- taking on
- re-employing
- contracting
- 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
- evacuating
- dropping back
- pulling out
- losing ground
- giving way
- backing away
- flying
- giving ground
- leaving
- shrinking
- departing
- flinching
- recoiling
- vacating
- abandoning
- detaching
- going
- quitting
- disengaging
- backpedaling
- bowing out
- backtracking
- climbing down
- backing down
- pulling away
- disentangling
- chickening (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- advancing
- confronting
- facing
- defying
- daring
- breasting
- brazening
- braving
- outbraving
- bearding