recant

verb

ri-ˈkant How to pronounce recant (audio)
Definition of recantnext
as in to retract
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) the Inquisition forced Galileo to recant his support of the Copernican observation that the earth revolves around the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of recant are abjure, forswear, renounce, and retract. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

In what contexts can abjure take the place of recant?

While the synonyms abjure and recant are close in meaning, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

When would forswear be a good substitute for recant?

The words forswear and recant can be used in similar contexts, but forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When is it sensible to use renounce instead of recant?

Although the words renounce and recant have much in common, renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

When is retract a more appropriate choice than recant?

While in some cases nearly identical to recant, retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

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 recant However, Jack and Sarah, who were 10 and 8 at the time, recanted their statements nine months later and claimed their stepmother had coached them on what to say. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 May 2025 One eyewitness to the crime later recanted his testimony. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025 Among Western scholars, some former supporters emerged to recant their previous statements. —Ray Cavanaugh, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 For one, his stats came directly from DOGE (which has recanted several claims). —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
  1. retract
  2. withdraw
  3. renounce
Verb
  • The smooth and sturdy wheels roll easily across any surface, and the handle can retract into 12 different positions.
    — Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The paper was subsequently retracted due to questions regarding the validity of the data.
    — Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 28 May 2025
Definition of retract
Verb
  • Related article The world’s second-largest gold storage suddenly has very long lines to withdraw bars As bonds have been volatile and the dollar has weakened amid tariff turmoil, weird investments like silver and platinum have emerged as a way to hedge against the tremendous uncertainty.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
  • Hardwick began to withdraw from his close circle of friends.
    — Martin Padgett June 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • Paul was severely ill, so he was excused from appearing, but Vladimir was taken away by the Bolsheviks after refusing to renounce his father.
    — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
  • The Authority never kept its promises to renounce terrorism and accept Israel.
    — Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Definition of renounce

Browse Nearby Words

recamiers
recant
recantation
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Cite this Entry

“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of recant for Spanish Speakers

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