recant

Synonym Chooser

How is the word recant different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of recant are abjure, forswear, renounce, and retract. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

In what contexts can abjure take the place of recant?

While the synonyms abjure and recant are close in meaning, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

When would forswear be a good substitute for recant?

The words forswear and recant can be used in similar contexts, but forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When is it sensible to use renounce instead of recant?

Although the words renounce and recant have much in common, renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

When is retract a more appropriate choice than recant?

While in some cases nearly identical to recant, retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of recant When that is pointed out, oftentimes the victim recants their statements or refuses to cooperate with prosecution of an assault and battery or withdraws their request for a restraining order to avoid getting in trouble. Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025 In the following months, Fred confessed – then recanted his confession – to several of the murders at different moments in the investigation. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 However, Jack and Sarah, who were 10 and 8 at the time, recanted their statements nine months later and claimed their stepmother had coached them on what to say. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 May 2025 One eyewitness to the crime later recanted his testimony. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
Verb
  • Trade with Mexico has been robust – and the U.S. deficit with Mexico has swollen as China’s has retracted.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • But at the last moment, as the path between the two structures is retracting, Gi-hun jumps over and begins to fight Myung-gi to the death with the knife he’s had in his possession, as the baby lies off to the side.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The result will be an increase in preying on immigrants by the criminal element: robbery, protection scams, sweatshop labor and human trafficking, as the immigrant community withdraws from reliance on no-longer-safe court systems.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
  • The traffic receded as Chicago withdrew into the distance behind me on Interstate 90.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Syria's new government, led by a former affiliate of ISIS and Al-Qaeda who has renounced jihadi ties in recent years, has vowed to continue efforts to battle ISIS.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • The justices who renounced that lie in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center exposed themselves to scurrilous criticisms and even threats to their safety.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on recant

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