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
When interviewed by police, Jones denied involvement, but later admitted to shooting at Adams twice before recanting his statement, according to the affidavit.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Nine months later, the children recanted their statements and alleged that Molly had coached them on what to say.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025
When that is pointed out, oftentimes the victim recants their statements or refuses to cooperate with prosecution of an assault and battery or withdraws their request for a restraining order to avoid getting in trouble.
—Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
In the following months, Fred confessed – then recanted his confession – to several of the murders at different moments in the investigation.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for recant
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Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Nine months later, the children recanted their statements and alleged that Molly had coached them on what to say.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025
When that is pointed out, oftentimes the victim recants their statements or refuses to cooperate with prosecution of an assault and battery or withdraws their request for a restraining order to avoid getting in trouble.
—Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
In the following months, Fred confessed – then recanted his confession – to several of the murders at different moments in the investigation.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 May 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 17 Jun. 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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