retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

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

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

retraction of the plane's landing gear

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

Steele has denied that accusation and demanded a retraction. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

China denounced her and demanded a retraction. —Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026

An honest newspaper would print a large retraction. —Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026

Since Cohn had signed the letter asking for retraction, the lead inquirer did not report to him. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

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