Synonyms of retract

retract

verb

ri-ˈtrakt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• renounce
• contradict
• deny
• refute
• recant
• repeal
• abandon
• relinquish
• repudiate
• take back
• renege
• forswear
• abjure
• unsay
• disavow
• recall
• disclaim
• abnegate
• disown
• disprove
• revoke
• spurn
• negate
• forsake
• rebut
• controvert
• gainsay
• disagree (with)
• negative
• surrender
• dispute
• backtrack
• disallow
• give up
• back down
• bolt
• back off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• admit
• acknowledge
• claim
• assert
• declare
• adhere (to)
• affirm
• proclaim
• contend
• defend
• confirm
• support
• state
• accept
• endorse
• uphold
• back
• adopt
• profess
• avow
• vouch
• vow
• embrace
• espouse

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

Recent Examples of retract

The farm retracted those statements five days later, but continued to dispute the cause of the outbreak and contest the agency’s findings. —Annie Waldman, ProPublica, 9 June 2026

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a recall notice that the seat belts in certain Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing the belt from retracting or extending. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 3 June 2026

Individuals may also face injury in some instances if the seat belt retracts rapidly. —Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026

The Salton Sea has been retracting as the climate has become hotter, leaving behind pesticides and fertilizers in toxic dust from the multibillion-dollar local agricultural industry that blow through our communities, contributing to the asthma crisis facing our children. —Daniela Flores, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026