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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 retracting
The ruthlessness of the producers cutting folk off mid-speech or retracting the microphone and upping the music volume was belittling to those on stage.
—
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
The actress has no interest in retracting her comments.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
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
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
The actress has no interest in retracting her comments.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retracting
Verb
-
Consider withdrawing $150,000 to buy the land then, wait to pull the next $150,000 in the next year.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Spurs imploded away to Atletico, also losing 5-2 and withdrawing their goalkeeper after going three down in 15 minutes.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The association filed several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the fee, including one that remains pending that argues there should be no cost for renouncing one’s citizenship.—
Matthew Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The association filed several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the fee, including one that remains pending that argues there should be no cost at all for renouncing one’s citizenship.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers enter the year heavy favorites to repeat, but several clubs have loaded up in hopes of denying the Dodgers a three-peat.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Before his killing, Naini issued a statement denying the Israeli prime minister's claim that Iran's missile production has been decimated.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retracting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retracting. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
