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
• relinquish
• abandon
• repeal
• repudiate
• take back
• renege
• forswear
• abjure
• foreswear
• unsay
• recall
• disavow
• 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
• profess
• endorse
• uphold
• back
• adopt
• avow
• vouch
• vow
• embrace
• indorse
• 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

Although the stock has retracted in early 2025, currently down around 55% from its 52-week peak of $25, several factors could propel it back to its former highs, indicating a possible doubling from today’s levels. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

The camera pans across the stage as the screen retracts and Captain Lewis emerges from shadow. —Noah Hawley, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025

Ultimately, Baptist Press retracted the article and apologized but only after Lyell pursued legal action. —Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

The day after this announcement, Washington, D.C. Council member Zachary Parker posted on X that, at his request, Police Chief Pamela Smith asked the Park Service to retract its plan. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 6 June 2025