retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction.

the retraction of the plane's landing gear

Recent Examples on the Web

This assistant is crucial for suction, exposure, and retraction—tasks essential for a successful procedure. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Lownie and HarperCollins' decision follows reports that Melania’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, sent a letter to Biden on Aug. 6, demanding a full retraction of an interview. —Charna Flam, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Newsmax was not required to apologize or issue a retraction as part of the settlement, a company spokesperson told NBC News. —Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2025

In the motion to dismiss filed on Tuesday, Fox News’ lawyers said that Newsom’s lawyers had offered to drop the case if Fox issued a retraction and an apology. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: a statement taking back something previously said

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act or instance of retracting

specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part

retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act of taking back or withdrawing

retraction of a confession

her retraction of the defamatory statement