as in withdrawing
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
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Recent Examples of retracting
Her delicate proto-shell dangles below, her tiny sails and blossoming eyes retracting at the scent of predators.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
With retracting landing gear and a striking look, too, this set is ideal for young ones with plenty of imagination.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
School public safety had initially reported that a suspect had been taken into custody before retracting that statement.
—Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
This series of exemptions is part of EPA’s suite of PFAS de-regulation that includes approving PFAS-laden pesticides and retracting some of its maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) that were the result of years of careful research and policymaking.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Moreover, the patches of skin behind the upper arms and on the trunk reveal that the reptile had powerful muscles for retracting its forelimbs.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Perhaps that’s why his administration keeps dangling — and then retracting — the prospect of special exceptions for undocumented immigrants who work in certain sectors.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Well, then it’s being stolen right out from under its retracting proboscis, which is actually just another drooling head that lives in its mouth.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Pressure campaigns have even led to traditional media outlets retracting previously positive reviews, further harming book sales and author reputations.
—Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
With retracting landing gear and a striking look, too, this set is ideal for young ones with plenty of imagination.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
School public safety had initially reported that a suspect had been taken into custody before retracting that statement.
—Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
This series of exemptions is part of EPA’s suite of PFAS de-regulation that includes approving PFAS-laden pesticides and retracting some of its maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) that were the result of years of careful research and policymaking.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Moreover, the patches of skin behind the upper arms and on the trunk reveal that the reptile had powerful muscles for retracting its forelimbs.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Perhaps that’s why his administration keeps dangling — and then retracting — the prospect of special exceptions for undocumented immigrants who work in certain sectors.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Well, then it’s being stolen right out from under its retracting proboscis, which is actually just another drooling head that lives in its mouth.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Pressure campaigns have even led to traditional media outlets retracting previously positive reviews, further harming book sales and author reputations.
—Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retracting
Verb
-
The Iranian federation also would face disciplinary fines from FIFA — at least 250,000 Swiss francs ($321,000) for withdrawing up to 3 days before the tournament, and at least 500,000 Swiss francs ($642,000) if the decision is in the last month before kickoff.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
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The Iranian federation also would face disciplinary fines from FIFA — at least 250,000 Swiss francs ($321,000) for withdrawing up to 30 days before the tournament, and at least 500,000 Swiss francs ($642,000) if the decision is in the last month before kickoff.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This all comes after reports that Andrew is considering renouncing his spot in the line of succession in order to avoid jail time.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Its roots are in publicly paying penance for serious sins or crimes in the eyes of the church, like adultery or apostasy, which means renouncing the church and its beliefs.—
Lianna Norman,
Florida Times-Union,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There’s no denying that the bob remains the haircut of the moment.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
-
There is, however, no denying certain gains.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retracting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retracting. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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