RETRIEVAL Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

retrieval

noun

ri-ˈtrē-vəl

Definition of retrieval

as in reclamation

the act or process of getting something back a law firm that has been involved in the retrieval of artworks that were plundered during the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of retrieval The video includes the search of Mangione's bag when he was apprehended at an Altoona McDonald's, the retrieval of the murder weapon and Mangione's transport in a squad car. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 The defence needs fast retrieval, close gap coverage and help from the forwards. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Memory technology could also benefit from efficient electrical energy storage and retrieval. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026 The challenges that the rest of the contestants will face as the season continues include a supply load retrieval while suspended 300 feet above the jungle floor, chemical gassing and a claustrophobic, high-pressure search of an underground bunker. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrieval

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrieval

Noun

Those albums treated homecoming as a means of rebirth and reclamation; creole culture moves on the same wavelength but is more coy about the references.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
The hotel even has a water reclamation system used for recirculation and purification of all ground water on site.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of reclamation

Noun

Recently, the sector has been affected by El Nino, which brings weak monsoons and dry weather, reducing yields and sucrose recovery.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
His message to men dealing with low energy, slow recovery or lagging strength is practical.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of recovery

Noun

Simulated drone attack tests launch-site security The launch-facility recapture scenario, added another layer to the exercise by bringing security and air units together in a simulated tactical environment.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026
Criminal gang violence continues unabated in Ecuador following the recapture in June 2025 of the country's biggest drug lord, Adolfo Macías after his escape from a maximum-security prison in 2024.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of recapture

Browse Nearby Words

retrievable

retrieval

retrievals

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Retrieval.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrieval. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of retrieval

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes