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
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.
In addition to the retraction, Wakefield's medical license was revoked due to falsified information. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Incorporating a sewing machine motor and colored lights, the sculpture appeared to viewers as a translucent dome across which abstract images flickered, and whose retraction into a black plastic cabinet visitors could trigger by stepping on a nearby pressure-sensitive pad. News Desk, Artforum, 17 Oct. 2024 The utility of this recording does not come just from what the pilots might say; the sound of a stall warning indicator or landing gear retraction or engine noise could each allow investigators to infer things about the flight's last moments. Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025 Coppola subsequently demanded a correction and retraction from the outlet, which declined to do so. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retraction

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retraction. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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 The 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

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