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
• repeal
• abandon
• relinquish
• repudiate
• take back
• renege
• forswear
• abjure
• unsay
• disavow
• recall
• 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
• endorse
• uphold
• back
• adopt
• profess
• avow
• vouch
• vow
• embrace
• 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

Drivers should remain stopped until the arm is retracted and the bus begins moving again. — Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

The barrel had been punctured several times and dumped far offshore, Spencer said, but whoever discarded the remains likely never imagined the reservoir’s shoreline would one day retract hundreds of feet. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

The 1,000-lb (454-kg) Pod rolls into the van on wheeled legs that retract upward during loading. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

When offered the opportunity to retract his statements, PCA stood declined. — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026