recant

verb

re·​cant ri-ˈkant How to pronounce recant (audio)
recanted; recanting; recants

transitive verb

1
: to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly : renounce
2
: revoke

intransitive verb

: to make an open confession of error
recantation noun
Choose the Right Synonym for recant

abjure, renounce, forswear, recant, retract mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief.

abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

Examples of recant in a Sentence

Church officials asked the minister to recant. Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 One eyewitness to the crime later recanted his testimony. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025 Among Western scholars, some former supporters emerged to recant their previous statements. Ray Cavanaugh, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recant

Word History

Etymology

Latin recantare, from re- + cantare to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recant was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recant. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

recant

verb
re·​cant ri-ˈkant How to pronounce recant (audio)
: to take back publicly an opinion or belief
recantation noun

Legal Definition

recant

transitive verb
re·​cant ri-ˈkant How to pronounce recant (audio)
: to renounce or withdraw (prior statements or testimony)
surprised the prosecution by recanting statements made earlier to the police

intransitive verb

: to renounce or withdraw prior statements or testimony
recantation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on recant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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