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
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Recent Examples of recant
During the trial, several witnesses recanted prior statements, alleging threatening, intimidating and coercive efforts by Foster and Brian Forberg, the two detectives assigned to the case.
—
Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Shortly after, serial killer Ottis Toole reportedly confessed to kidnapping and murdering Adam, later recanting his confession.
—Stephanie Kaloi, People.com, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for recant
Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Shortly after, serial killer Ottis Toole reportedly confessed to kidnapping and murdering Adam, later recanting his confession.
—Stephanie Kaloi, People.com, 12 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
Verb
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The doors also retract to create a sense of indoor/outdoor living.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
21 July 2025
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Louisville Metro Police officials retracted a statement made July 14 about the cause of an evacuation of the Kentucky Exposition Center, where officers were dispatched July 13 on multiple reports of an active shooter.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and the global economy, Harley has withdrawn its outook for 2025 that had been provided in February.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
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Never give into demands to withdraw money in your accounts and take cash to a local crypto ATM.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Rather than coddle terrorists, all concerned parties should work to remove Hamas and establish a governing authority in Gaza—whether indigenous or imposed—that poses no threat to anyone, renounces terrorism, and seeks to live in peace.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
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Ray plead guilty to King’s murder, but later renounced that plea and maintained his innocence until his death in 1998.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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