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 This is largely due to a paper published in The Lancet medical journal in the 1990s that was later retracted after its data was found to be false and manipulated. Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025 Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers These best-selling markers feature a cone tip that allows for both fine lines and broad strokes, and they can be retracted with a simple click, so there’s no need to hunt down missing caps. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 The driver had a difficult time retracting the ramp and after several tries got it on the bus, but the bus would not start. Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 Engineers investigated an issue with one of the two arms holding the Falcon rocket to its support structure, which must retract before liftoff. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • Rather than a gradual strengthening of local capacity as a way of reimagining how the global development industry operates, the Trump administration’s proposals simply withdraw federal support.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • American Airlines withdrew its 2025 earnings forecast on Thursday, citing growing economic uncertainty.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, in 2019, the Business Round Table realized that business based totally on the self-interest of short-term profits was untenable and officially renounced it.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In this telling, the blood of Christian martyrs facing lions rather than renouncing their faith eventually transformed the Roman empire.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The zoning commission’s recommendations contradicted the map 29% of the time.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But Francis also contradicted himself and split some very specific hairs regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The state also was denied an emergency order to block Musk’s exercise of sweeping power over the federal budget.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Chemicals at the port were suspected to have fueled the explosion, but the exact cause was not clear and Iran's Defence Ministry denied international media reports that the blast may be linked to the mishandling of solid fuel used for missiles.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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