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 In response, Musk has floated – and then retracted – the idea of decommissioning a SpaceX vehicle critical to NASA's spaceflight program. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 June 2025 The letter was right, but retracting his signature was wrong. The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025 The official did not say whether the agency would retract its statement. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 Baptists Press retracted the story and apologized to Lyell, along with the SBC Executive Committee. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • In the Trump era, many have speculated about whether or to what degree the United States will withdraw from its leading role in the world.
    KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Hall, on the other hand, finished just six strokes behind the champion, despite nearly withdrawing 48 hours earlier.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 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
Verb
  • But the Iranian Mission to the United Nations was quick to contradict his claim, posting on X that the regime would not negotiate under duress.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump's account of mediating a ceasefire with Pakistan last month, according to an Indian statement released after a call between them.
    Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • But the company denies claims that its equipment sparked the 2019 fire, which tore through Sylmar, Porter Ranch and Granada Hills — all suburbs of Los Angeles — burning 8,799 acres.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • To many in the transgender community, the policy also felt like another attack by the current administration to erase them from public spaces and deny their existence.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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