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
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Recent Examples of retracts
Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
In bouncer mode, your baby will be secure in a harness that automatically retracts once the bassinet lays flat.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed.
—Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
The boom microphone is a capsule on a flexible wire arm that retracts into the cup.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
The padded backpack straps also impressed testers, most notably a design that retracts straps in a stash pocket when needed.
—Drew Zieff, Outside, 17 Feb. 2026
When the car switches into self-driving mode, the steering wheel retracts smoothly into the dashboard, opening up the cabin and giving occupants more space to relax, work or just stretch out.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
There's even an optional powered roof panel that retracts at the touch of a button.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
OpenAI researcher retracts announcement of math breakthrough.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
In bouncer mode, your baby will be secure in a harness that automatically retracts once the bassinet lays flat.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026
The wheels glide smoothly and quietly, and the telescopic handle extends and retracts seamlessly—even when the case is fully packed.
—Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
The boom microphone is a capsule on a flexible wire arm that retracts into the cup.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
The padded backpack straps also impressed testers, most notably a design that retracts straps in a stash pocket when needed.
—Drew Zieff, Outside, 17 Feb. 2026
When the car switches into self-driving mode, the steering wheel retracts smoothly into the dashboard, opening up the cabin and giving occupants more space to relax, work or just stretch out.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
There's even an optional powered roof panel that retracts at the touch of a button.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025
OpenAI researcher retracts announcement of math breakthrough.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retracts
Verb
-
For example, if a Medicare Advantage plan withdraws from a market or leaves the Medicare program, its enrollees can qualify for a supplemental plan without being asked health questions or charged more for having preexisting conditions.—
Julie Appleby,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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University officials deactivated the group the same day they were notified, citing campus policies that allow suspension of student organizations when a parent or governing body withdraws recognition or when groups violate state law.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Miami will have the ability to use multiple sizable salary cap exceptions if Wiggins opts out or if Wiggins stays but Miami renounces Powell, which remove his cap hold and eliminate his Bird rights.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
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The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Her killing fuels accusations that Israel systematically targets journalists, a claim the Israeli military denies.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The case, in which Capital One denies any wrongdoing, involves two types of savings accounts offered by the financial services giant.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This contradicts what many doctors have recommended for years.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The footage, which ProPublica and FRONTLINE have reviewed, contradicts the claims that the men had interfered with the agents.—
A.C. Thompson,
ProPublica,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retracts. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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