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 The paper has since been discredited by health experts, retracted from the journal in which it was published, and its primary author, Andrew Wakefield, lost his medical license. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025 And the rear decklid spoiler extends and retracts at 45 miles an hour—but that’s customizable, as with everything on the car, in the same vein as a 911 restomod from Singer Vehicle Design. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 As the warmer weather sets in, convertible tops can finally retract. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025 On April 13, U.S. News & World Report retracted its pickup of Bauder’s January story, with a disclaimer added to the URL address where the article lived. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • The spacer might shut down, withdraw or become defensive, leaving the chaser feeling unheard and the spacer feeling emotionally ambushed.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Now many of the largest U.S. companies are cutting or withdrawing their financial forecasts for this year, citing the tariffs.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The outlet also confirmed that Cooper's network renounced their rights to Hot Mess and that SiriusXM will no longer sell ads for the show.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 May 2025
  • Despite being entitled to a salary, Pope Francis renounced it, deciding to donate it instead.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Also, sources have pointed out that any major funding initiative using taxpayer dollars would contradict the administration’s rhetoric on trimming the fat from the federal budget and bringing down the national debt.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • That involvement appears to contradict the Trump Organization's second-term ethics pledge, which permits foreign business deals but explicitly bars partnerships with foreign governments.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from an apology video following the release of security footage in which Combs is seen beating Cassie, the music mogul has denied all of the allegations and claimed the video has been altered.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Though some sheriffs have denied their existence, Luna has acknowledged and vowed to eradicate them.
    Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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