recanted; recanting; recants
: to make an open confession of error
Examples of recant in a Sentence
Church officials asked the minister to recant.
Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, the case was ultimately dismissed after the accuser recanted her statement and a key witness failed to appear in court.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
In a statement, Mr. Buzbee pushed back against the contention that the woman had recanted her account of rape.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
In 2014, Webb recanted his testimony from Willingham’s trial.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
They weren’t exonerated by newfound evidence, DNA results or recanted testimony establishing innocence.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recant
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
In a statement, Mr. Buzbee pushed back against the contention that the woman had recanted her account of rape.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
In 2014, Webb recanted his testimony from Willingham’s trial.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
They weren’t exonerated by newfound evidence, DNA results or recanted testimony establishing innocence.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recant
Cite this Entry
“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recant. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
recant
transitive verb
re·cant
ri-ˈkant 
: to renounce or withdraw (prior statements or testimony)
surprised the prosecution by recanting statements made earlier to the police
: to renounce or withdraw prior statements or testimony
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