recant

verb

re·​cant ri-ˈkant 

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

ˌrē-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• abjure
• abnegate
• forswear
• foreswear
• renege
• renounce
• repeal
• repudiate
• retract
• take back
• unsay
• withdraw

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

During the trial, several witnesses recanted prior statements, alleging threatening, intimidating and coercive efforts by Foster and Brian Forberg, the two detectives assigned to the case. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025

Shortly after, serial killer Ottis Toole reportedly confessed to kidnapping and murdering Adam, later recanting his confession. —Stephanie Kaloi, People.com, 12 May 2025

When interviewed by police, Jones denied involvement, but later admitted to shooting at Adams twice before recanting his statement, according to the affidavit. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025

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

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

Rhymes for recant

• decant
• descant
• eggplant
• enchant
• explant
• implant
• preplant
• replant
• secant
• supplant
• transplant
• ant

Kids Definition

recant

verb

re·​cant ri-ˈkant 

: to take back publicly an opinion or belief

recantation

ˌrē-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Legal Definition

recant

transitive verb

re·​cant ri-ˈkant 

: 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

ˌrē-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

noun