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 2017, Jason Chaffetz, the former Utah representative, retracted a disposal bill after a backlash. Abe Streep, ProPublica, 8 July 2025 Claim 2: Vaccines Cause Autism The belief that vaccines cause autism originated from a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which was later retracted due to fraud and ethical violations. Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 Although the stock has retracted in early 2025, currently down around 55% from its 52-week peak of $25, several factors could propel it back to its former highs, indicating a possible doubling from today’s levels. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The camera pans across the stage as the screen retracts and Captain Lewis emerges from shadow. Noah Hawley, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • Due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and the global economy, Harley has withdrawn its outook for 2025 that had been provided in February.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
  • Never give into demands to withdraw money in your accounts and take cash to a local crypto ATM.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Crucially, the tax law defines the expatriation date for various classes of cases, such as those who renounce U.S. citizenship, or give up long term residency.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • In this entertaining sequel, Lois learns Clark's identity, prompting him to renounce his Kryptonian superpowers — a process that, as his late mom (Susannah York) repeatedly tells him, is irreversible.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • But the President seemed to contradict the Justice Department memo that suggested there were no more files to be disclosed, instead claiming that there are files but that they were written by his rival predecessors and would only serve as a distraction.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 14 July 2025
  • But that has contradicted the administration’s own advisories regarding U.S. citizens visiting those countries.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Yet for decades, tens of thousands of children in Hasidic yeshivas have been systematically denied access to that promise.
    Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Thompson didn’t deny the rumors and hard launched their relationship with a post of his own featuring Megan to his IG, recapping their Bahamas trip.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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