retract

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 With the campaign retracted, the focus turned to the name. Meg Linehan, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 The arbitrator ordered Wynn-Williams to retract any comments critical of the company, cease promoting her book and, to the extent possible, end her role in distributing the book. David Ingram, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 Sea turtle researchers and advocates in Texas, worried about what further cutbacks could mean for the future of the Kemp’s ridley, have been pushing for the Park Service to retract the report and restore the program cuts. Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • American Airlines withdrew its 2025 earnings forecast on Thursday, citing growing economic uncertainty.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In this telling, the blood of Christian martyrs facing lions rather than renouncing their faith eventually transformed the Roman empire.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Eventually, in 2019, the Business Round Table realized that business based totally on the self-interest of short-term profits was untenable and officially renounced it.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The zoning commission’s recommendations contradicted the map 29% of the time.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But Francis also contradicted himself and split some very specific hairs regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The immigration judge denied the asylum claim because the time limits to make such a claim had expired.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • On Thursday, April 3, the city denied that the music festival is happening there, according to a press release translated by Rolling Stone.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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