as in to withdraw
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)
the newspaper was forced to retract the story, which turned out to be based on fabricated reporting
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Recent Examples of retract
To create a tornado-like vortex, a bird would retract its head in a short burst of speed at nearly 16 inches per second.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
In her announcement, Dhillon said the department would retract accusations made under the Biden administration that the departments violated either Floyd’s or Taylor’s constitutional rights.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Startling cell phone video shows a first responder on a ladder trying to help victims when the extended top half of the ladder appears to retract as the victim comes tumbling out of the widow.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
The Who's original announcement of Starkey's departure, which was later retracted, came in April following a round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retract
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
In her announcement, Dhillon said the department would retract accusations made under the Biden administration that the departments violated either Floyd’s or Taylor’s constitutional rights.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Startling cell phone video shows a first responder on a ladder trying to help victims when the extended top half of the ladder appears to retract as the victim comes tumbling out of the widow.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
The Who's original announcement of Starkey's departure, which was later retracted, came in April following a round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
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During questioning by Hildreth, Lee described withdrawing a total of $1,500 from ATMs in Vegas, with a bank statement listing the three withdrawals over two days.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
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Mercedes-Benz withdrew its guidance for the rest of 2025, citing volatility caused by the tariffs, and Volkswagen lowered its profit margin expectations to between 5% and 6%.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Verb
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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
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The Authority never kept its promises to renounce terrorism and accept Israel.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The report and Shilling’s own experiences contradict how President Trump and administration officials have sought to frame her and other transgender troops’ service.—
Brooke Migdon,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
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The most sophisticated marketing measurement should align with and quantify the realities marketers intuitively understand, not contradict them.—
Cody Greco,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The university in January 2024 denied Tucker’s appeal of the findings.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
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Small business owners should not be denied access to their customers because of the government’s desire to place unnecessary restrictions on commerce.—
Julian Canete,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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