recant

Definition of recantnext

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, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office ultimately dropped charges against Santana after the 17-year-old accuser recanted his statements to prosecutors, television interviewers and on social media, according to court records. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 The conviction turned largely on eyewitness testimony that has since been recanted and scientific evidence that has since been debunked. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 Bourgerie noted that Ball’s wife later recanted her allegations and that Ball had been named deputy of the year for the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office in 2025. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 Epstein told a guard Tartaglione had attacked him, but later recanted. ABC News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
Verb
  • The journal typically adds a large RETRACTED notice across digital papers that have been retracted, leaving them available for download.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 28 June 2026
  • The remote control has mixed reviews, with this seemingly retracting from its otherwise glowing reviews.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • What follows are dozens of examples of how those whose names are familiar (or aren’t) and legendary (or infamous) for their actions while representing the state have been embraced (or renounced) by the rest of the country and beyond.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • If the Lakers renounce all their free agents except for Reaves, hacking their books with machete, the team would have Dončić, Jared Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James (partial guarantee) and Adou Theiro under contract.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • About 71 percent of the SPAC’s cash pool stayed in the merger rather than being withdrawn by investors.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • This means they can be revised or withdrawn without legislation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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