retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction.

the retraction of the plane's landing gear

Recent Examples on the Web

The governor’s lawyers sent Fox News a letter demanding a retraction and an on-air apology from Watters; if the network complies, the governor would drop the suit, per the letter. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 June 2025

Newsom’s team has offered to withdraw the lawsuit if Fox issues a public retraction and on-air apology. —Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025

Chin tucks, scapular retractions, wall angels, and resisted rows to retrain postural muscles 3 to 4 times weekly. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025

The president reacted to Musk's retraction in a phone call with the New York Post. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: a statement taking back something previously said

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act or instance of retracting

specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part

retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act of taking back or withdrawing

retraction of a confession

her retraction of the defamatory statement