retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
1
: an act of recanting
specifically : a statement made by one retracting
2
: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3
: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction. the retraction of the plane's landing gear
Recent Examples on the Web The retractions come the same day that Tessier-Lavigne’s resignation as Stanford president takes effect. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 31 Aug. 2023 In 2022, there were more than 4,600 retractions — a big jump from 119 in 2002. Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2023 Some of this intransigence is no doubt because publish-or-perish incentives prompt authors to hire attorneys to fight retractions. Ivan Oransky, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2023 News organizations occasionally receive demands for retractions, which often amount to little more than a PR stunt designed to placate supporters. Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 21 July 2023 Training your traps will also pay off in spades for your strength exercises like deadlifts, and strong traps are key for the muscle's functions of supporting your arms and scapular retraction, depression, and rotation. Brett Williams, Men's Health, 21 June 2023 The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in federal court in Alabama, said that lawyers for Mr. Spears had sought a retraction from The Times on March 20 but the newspaper did not grant the request. Steve Eder, New York Times, 2 June 2023 Both outlets made apologies and retractions and The Times also paid damages. Manori Ravindran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2023 Carroll is seeking unspecified damages and a retraction of Trump’s allegedly defamatory statements about her. Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retraction was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near retraction

Cite this Entry

“Retraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retraction. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
1
: a statement taking back something previously said
2
: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3
: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
: an act or instance of retracting
specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part
retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
: an act of taking back or withdrawing
retraction of a confession
her retraction of the defamatory statement

More from Merriam-Webster on retraction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!