as in to retract
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)
the Inquisition forced Galileo to recant his support of the Copernican observation that the earth revolves around the sun
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of recant
In 2014, Webb recanted his testimony from Willingham’s trial.
—
Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
They weren’t exonerated by newfound evidence, DNA results or recanted testimony establishing innocence.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
In 2007, the other girl recanted her allegations against Barriault, and the criminal charges were dropped.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025
Those platforms almost immediately recanted those moves, which in Twitter’s case had included temporarily locking the Post’s account.
—Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recant
Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
They weren’t exonerated by newfound evidence, DNA results or recanted testimony establishing innocence.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
In 2007, the other girl recanted her allegations against Barriault, and the criminal charges were dropped.
—Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025
Those platforms almost immediately recanted those moves, which in Twitter’s case had included temporarily locking the Post’s account.
—Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recant
Verb
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Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers These best-selling markers feature a cone tip that allows for both fine lines and broad strokes, and they can be retracted with a simple click, so there’s no need to hunt down missing caps.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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The driver had a difficult time retracting the ramp and after several tries got it on the bus, but the bus would not start.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Outreach workers who live among farmworkers are withdrawing a little, too.—
Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
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Artificial intelligence and digital surveillance systems are perhaps less likely to identify who is eating alone at lunch or withdrawing from friends.—
Jackie Valley,
Christian Science Monitor,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Some of these firms have responded by agreeing to renounce diversity outreach efforts and commit tens of millions of dollars in pro bono work to defend Trump's priorities in future litigation.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Russian president has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining NATO military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.—
TIME,
TIME,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recant. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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