retracts; retracted; retracting
1
: to pull (something) back into something larger that usually covers it
A cat can retract its claws.
The pilot retracted the plane's landing gear.
The plane's landing gear failed to retract.
2
: to say that something you said or wrote is not true or correct
The newspaper retracted [=withdrew] the story.
She was forced to retract [=take back] her statement.
3
formal
: to take back (something, such as an offer or promise)
Their college grants were retracted.
They retracted the job offer.
Cite this Entry
“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/retract. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
