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

Radke has since doubled down with a second video on Sunday, again attacking the councillors and showing no indication of retraction. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2025

With economic instability on the horizon, companies must take proactive measures to mitigate risks and uphold corporate responsibility in the void created by the retraction of government oversight. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Democrats who agree that the U.S. can’t sustain this level of spending and Republicans with concerns about the president’s approach can unite around legislation that begins the slow retraction of money from the U.S. economy. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025

In addition to the retraction, Wakefield's medical license was revoked due to falsified information. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Mar. 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