retract

verb

ri-ˈtrakt How to pronounce retract (audio)
Definition of retractnext
as in to withdraw
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) the newspaper was forced to retract the story, which turned out to be based on fabricated reporting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word retract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retract are abjure, forswear, recant, and renounce. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

When would abjure be a good substitute for retract?

The words abjure and retract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

In what contexts can forswear take the place of retract?

The meanings of forswear and retract largely overlap; however, forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When might recant be a better fit than retract?

While in some cases nearly identical to retract, recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

When is renounce a more appropriate choice than retract?

The synonyms renounce and retract are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

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 retract On touchdown, investigators determined the side-stay attached to the aircraft’s right main landing gear fractured, the gear retracted, and the right wing broke between the landing gear and fuselage, which is the central part of the plane. — Alexandra Skores, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 The incident unfolded after the man staged an elaborate fake proposal in front of his friends, only to retract it as a joke. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Then, 48 hours later, after a lawsuit was filed challenging the action, they were returned to the U.S. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, our two largest trading partners, were imposed, delayed, retracted and imposed again. — Bob Rawitch, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025 Hydraulics are used to retract the two clamps prior to launch. — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
  1. withdraw
  2. renounce
  3. contradict
  4. deny
Verb
  • Zoom in: The decision came shortly after USAGM special adviser Kari Lake withdrew an order to terminate the 2025 funding grant for VOA's sister broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
    — Sara Fischer, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The race attracted serious fundraising from Democrats, and was in the spotlight after President Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik's name from consideration for U.N. ambassador to avoid risking further depleting his party's already narrow majority.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • The outlet also confirmed that Cooper's network renounced their rights to Hot Mess and that SiriusXM will no longer sell ads for the show.
    — Athena Sobhan, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Cromwell came up with a legal solution for the king’s problem, pushing Parliament to pass a series of acts that renounced papal authority and declared Henry the supreme head of the nascent Church of England.
    — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of renounce
Verb
  • Their account contradicts what the victim’s family said during a March 12 news conference.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration argued on Thursday that California’s policy contradicts FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that allows parents to access their children’s educational records.
    — Dana Goldstein, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of contradict
Verb
  • The government of Isla Mujeres also denied that the event was taking place there.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Mahmoud Khalil: Judge denies Trump administration's bid to move his case to Louisiana U.S. officials have justified expelling Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador because of their tattoos.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of deny

Browse Nearby Words

retouching
retract
retracted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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