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retiring

adjective
re·​tir·​ing | \ ri-ˈtÄ«(-É™)r-iÅ‹ How to pronounce retiring (audio) \

Definition of retiring

: reserved, shy
Other Words from retiring Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about retiring

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Other Words from retiring

retiringly \ ri-​ˈtÄ«(-​É™)r-​iÅ‹-​lÄ“ How to pronounce retiringly (audio) \ adverb
retiringness noun

Examples of retiring in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

 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, "Husband’s discomfort with confrontation doesn’t bode well for his parenting," 15 May 2018 In part, that's because Hemsley is probably the most retiring, publicity-adverse CEO heading an iconic company. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, "Corporate Leaders Stand Up to Hate and Trump," 18 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retiring.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of retiring

1566, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for retiring

retiring

adjective
How to pronounce retiring (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of retiring

: quiet and shy
—used to describe a person who will be retiring from a job or profession soon

See the full definition for retiring in the English Language Learners Dictionary

retiring

adjective
re·​tir·​ing | \ ri-ˈtÄ«r-iÅ‹\

Kids Definition of retiring

: shy entry 1 sense 2, reserved

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More from Merriam-Webster on retiring

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with retiring

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retiring

Spanish Central: Translation of retiring

Nglish: Translation of retiring for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of retiring for Arabic Speakers

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