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 On August 4, the situation culminated when the National Assembly officially retracted feudal rights. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 Roberts still acknowledged this all becomes more of a conversation if the Dodgers can get closer to full strength, anyway, before retracting some of his pointed criticism of Hernández from Monday night and doubling down on his belief Hernández can improve his range. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 The network retracted some of the more bombastic allegations in December 2020. Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025 If a school bus extends its stop sign on a two-lane road, all vehicles must come to a stop until the stop sign is retracted. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • The reaction to this was dynamic, which for some meant withdrawing from opportunities and for others contributed to burnout and decisions to leave their jobs altogether.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But Russia's prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed a decree proposed by the Cabinet on August 25 to withdraw from the convention, and Putin has now submitted this to the Duma, which is likely to rubber stamp it.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 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
  • And not a single Democrat then contradicted them or criticized them.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Republican president insisted that his tough talk didn't contradict his fixation on being recognized for diplomatic efforts, saying peace must be made from a position of strength.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • All three Cabinet members denied wrongdoing.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Judge Gary Arnold denied the motion Thursday morning.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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