retract

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of retract are abjure, forswear, recant, and renounce. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

When would abjure be a good substitute for retract?

The words abjure and retract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

In what contexts can forswear take the place of retract?

The meanings of forswear and retract largely overlap; however, forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When might recant be a better fit than retract?

While in some cases nearly identical to retract, recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

When is renounce a more appropriate choice than retract?

The synonyms renounce and retract are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

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 retract But later, they were forced to retract those reports. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025 Once at the top or bottom, the Marswalker retracts the bracers and opens its doors again so that the S2 can be on its way while the Marswalker waits for the return trip. PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 Similarly, although an extensive Danish study showed no link between aluminum in vaccines and ASD, Kennedy demanded that the Annals of Internal Medicine, a prestigious medical journal, retract the study. Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Pressure campaigns have even led to traditional media outlets retracting previously positive reviews, further harming book sales and author reputations. Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • Duncan even contemplated mounting a third-party challenge to Trump as a No Labels candidate last year before withdrawing his name from consideration.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Biden administration had weighed withdrawing antitrust immunity for the joint venture, which began in 2016.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Lee also renounced any concept of gender roles, longing for full social equality regardless of gender or race.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • On another, the Internal Revenue Code stands ready with its expatriation tax regime—potentially ensnaring not only those who voluntarily renounce their citizenship but also those whose citizenship is stripped away.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The approvals contradict the International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) neutrality conditions detailed in their ad-hoc guidelines.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This contradicts the language Paxton has used when discussing these and other firms.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Alan Jackson, a lawyer for Joaquin, denied the charges.
    Luc Cohen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As press secretary, Jean-Pierre repeatedly denied reports regarding Biden’s mental fitness during his time in office.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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