Synonyms of retract

retract

verb

ri-ˈtrakt 

as in to withdraw

to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)

the newspaper was forced to retract the story, which turned out to be based on fabricated reporting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• renounce
• contradict
• deny
• refute
• recant
• relinquish
• abandon
• repeal
• repudiate
• take back
• renege
• forswear
• abjure
• foreswear
• unsay
• recall
• disavow
• disclaim
• abnegate
• disown
• disprove
• revoke
• spurn
• negate
• forsake
• rebut
• controvert
• gainsay
• disagree (with)
• negative
• surrender
• dispute
• backtrack
• disallow
• give up
• back down
• bolt
• back off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• admit
• acknowledge
• claim
• assert
• declare
• adhere (to)
• affirm
• proclaim
• contend
• defend
• confirm
• support
• state
• accept
• profess
• endorse
• uphold
• back
• adopt
• avow
• vouch
• vow
• embrace
• indorse
• espouse

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

Recent Examples of retract

To create a tornado-like vortex, a bird would retract its head in a short burst of speed at nearly 16 inches per second. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025

In her announcement, Dhillon said the department would retract accusations made under the Biden administration that the departments violated either Floyd’s or Taylor’s constitutional rights. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 May 2025

Startling cell phone video shows a first responder on a ladder trying to help victims when the extended top half of the ladder appears to retract as the victim comes tumbling out of the widow. —Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025

The Who's original announcement of Starkey's departure, which was later retracted, came in April following a round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. —Jack Irvin, People.com, 19 May 2025