RETRACT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'retract' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retract are abjure , forswear , recant , and renounce . While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation. // the newspaper had to retract the story

Q: When would 'abjure' be a good substitute for 'retract'?

The words abjure and retract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath. // abjured the errors of his former faith

Q: In what contexts can 'forswear' take the place of 'retract'?

The meanings of forswear and retract largely overlap; however, forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal. // I cannot forswear my principles

Q: When might 'recant' be a better fit than 'retract'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retract , recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught. // if they recant they will be spared

Q: When is 'renounce' a more appropriate choice than 'retract'?

The synonyms renounce and retract are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown. // renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

retract

verb

ri-ˈtrakt

Definition of retract next

as in to withdraw

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

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word retract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retract are abjure, forswear, recant, and renounce. While all these words mean "to withdraw one's word or professed belief," retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation.

the newspaper had to retract the story

When would abjure be a good substitute for retract?

The words abjure and retract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath.

abjured the errors of his former faith

In what contexts can forswear take the place of retract?

The meanings of forswear and retract largely overlap; however, forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal.

I cannot forswear my principles

When might recant be a better fit than retract?

While in some cases nearly identical to retract, recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught.

if they recant they will be spared

When is renounce a more appropriate choice than retract?

The synonyms renounce and retract are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown.

renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting

Examples 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 retract Grade 2: There is more scarring, and the milk ducts are retracted. —

Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 The clasp is then removed, and the cable is retracted back up out of the way. —

Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 Advocacy organizations, such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance, attacked the remarks made by Republican politicians and urged J.D. Vance, who represents Ohio and also spread claims about eating pets, to retract his statements. —

Solcyré Burga, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 Share [Findings] The Journal of Pediatric Genetics retracted a study on Islamic beliefs concerning the possible supernatural causes of birth defects on the grounds that the research lacked a scientific basis. —

Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract

Verb

Two works, a Diane Arbus photo and an Eric Fischl painting, were withdrawn, presumably for lack of interest.

Brian Boucher for ArtNews, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
The recommendations are quite broad, so the Section recommends that Treasury withdraw and reissue the current Proposed TOI Regulations with a requirement that reporting would be required only for TOIs entered into on or after the re-proposal occurs.

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024