as in withdraws
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 retracts
OpenAI researcher retracts announcement of math breakthrough.
—
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
The black softop retracts and returns tightly into place with a lever mechanism on the console.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
Stowaways often get crushed when the landing gear retracts, as there’s not much room; in many aircraft, the space is even smaller than the trunk of a car.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Visible from the kitchen, where a kinetic window retracts upward with the turn of a wheel, the white angular piece pairs with the white upholstery on the patio lounge chairs and presents a moment of contrast against the nearby forest.
—Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2025
Once at the top or bottom, the Marswalker retracts the bracers and opens its doors again so that the S2 can be on its way while the Marswalker waits for the return trip.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
The black softop retracts and returns tightly into place with a lever mechanism on the console.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
Stowaways often get crushed when the landing gear retracts, as there’s not much room; in many aircraft, the space is even smaller than the trunk of a car.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Visible from the kitchen, where a kinetic window retracts upward with the turn of a wheel, the white angular piece pairs with the white upholstery on the patio lounge chairs and presents a moment of contrast against the nearby forest.
—Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2025
Once at the top or bottom, the Marswalker retracts the bracers and opens its doors again so that the S2 can be on its way while the Marswalker waits for the return trip.
—PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retracts
Verb
-
Musk withdraws the California suit in June, then files a federal suit in August.—
Nikita Ostrovsky,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
-
If a parent later withdraws permission, the app developer must be notified to disable access.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
She’s also supported revising Japan’s pacifist constitution, particularly Article 9, which renounces war and bans military forces.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Naturally, Meredith completely denies this and says that Britani is only bringing this up because her own relationship is such a disaster.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The government denies holding political prisoners.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
-
DeMaria said the teen had a long knife on him when he was arrested but no gun, which contradicts an earlier claim from the Department of Homeland Security.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retracts. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share