recant

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recant different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of recant are abjure, forswear, renounce, and retract. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

In what contexts can abjure take the place of recant?

While the synonyms abjure and recant are close in meaning, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

When would forswear be a good substitute for recant?

The words forswear and recant can be used in similar contexts, but forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When is it sensible to use renounce instead of recant?

Although the words renounce and recant have much in common, renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

When is retract a more appropriate choice than recant?

While in some cases nearly identical to recant, retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

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 recant Nine months later, the children recanted their statements and alleged that Molly had coached them on what to say. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025 When that is pointed out, oftentimes the victim recants their statements or refuses to cooperate with prosecution of an assault and battery or withdraws their request for a restraining order to avoid getting in trouble. Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 In the following months, Fred confessed – then recanted his confession – to several of the murders at different moments in the investigation. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 However, Jack and Sarah, who were 10 and 8 at the time, recanted their statements nine months later and claimed their stepmother had coached them on what to say. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
Verb
  • In 2023, more than 10,000 papers were retracted from research journals.
    Sheldon H. Jacobson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Once airborne, the foils retract away into the hull, reemerging after landing.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The result will be an increase in preying on immigrants by the criminal element: robbery, protection scams, sweatshop labor and human trafficking, as the immigrant community withdraws from reliance on no-longer-safe court systems.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
  • The traffic receded as Chicago withdrew into the distance behind me on Interstate 90.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Who’s on Tennessee death row While the Department of Justice has renounced pentobarbital, Tennessee and about a dozen other states are pushing forward with the drug.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • On Wednesday, Lamont praised Mamdani while noting that Democrats have hardly renounced centrists.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on recant

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