as in withdraws
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 retracts
The handle extends and retracts smoothly, helping travelers of different heights maintain comfortable control over their luggage throughout their journey.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
Chinese brand Honor used the opening red carpet of the Shanghai International Film Festival to debut its Robot Phone, a device that marries AI interaction with a high-resolution camera that extends from the phone body like an antenna, moves on its own, and retracts when not in use.
—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Individuals may also face injury in some instances if the seat belt retracts rapidly.
—
Michelle Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
Rather than dying, the animal retracts its tentacles, reabsorbs its bell and sinks.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
The Lincoln’s version unfolds and retracts when the Navigator’s engine starts and stops.
—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.
—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
14 Apr. 2026
In bouncer mode, your baby will be secure in a harness that automatically retracts once the bassinet lays flat.
—
Devonne Goode,
Parents,
7 Apr. 2026
The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed.
—
Charley Ward,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
Chinese brand Honor used the opening red carpet of the Shanghai International Film Festival to debut its Robot Phone, a device that marries AI interaction with a high-resolution camera that extends from the phone body like an antenna, moves on its own, and retracts when not in use.
—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Individuals may also face injury in some instances if the seat belt retracts rapidly.
—
Michelle Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2026
Rather than dying, the animal retracts its tentacles, reabsorbs its bell and sinks.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
The Lincoln’s version unfolds and retracts when the Navigator’s engine starts and stops.
—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.
—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
14 Apr. 2026
In bouncer mode, your baby will be secure in a harness that automatically retracts once the bassinet lays flat.
—
Devonne Goode,
Parents,
7 Apr. 2026
The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed.
—
Charley Ward,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retracts
Verb
-
Hezbollah's leader said Saturday the group would fight on until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon, according to a statement carried in a pro-Hezbollah local media outlet.
-
But sporadic clashes have continued, and Hezbollah’s leader said Saturday that the group would continue fighting until Israel withdraws from Lebanon.
Verb
-
Japan has recently taken steps to expand its defense posture, including lifting its ban on lethal arms exports and mulling changes to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war and the maintenance of armed forces.
-
Miami will have the ability to use multiple sizable salary cap exceptions if Wiggins opts out or if Wiggins stays but Miami renounces Powell, which remove his cap hold and eliminate his Bird rights.
Verb
-
Lozano denies mass immigration fraud Angelo Calfo, an attorney representing Lozano, said clients were expected to review their applications before signing and blamed them for any false statements.
-
Israel, founded in the wake of the Holocaust, denies the accusations.
Verb
-
Brisk and amusing, Tomalin’s book contradicts such simplification.
-
That is why the messaging contradicts itself.
Cite this Entry
“Retracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retracts. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
