retract

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

Example 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 With the campaign retracted, the focus turned to the name. Meg Linehan, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 The arbitrator ordered Wynn-Williams to retract any comments critical of the company, cease promoting her book and, to the extent possible, end her role in distributing the book. David Ingram, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 Sea turtle researchers and advocates in Texas, worried about what further cutbacks could mean for the future of the Kemp’s ridley, have been pushing for the Park Service to retract the report and restore the program cuts. Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 On touchdown, investigators determined the side-stay attached to the aircraft’s right main landing gear fractured, the gear retracted, and the right wing broke between the landing gear and fuselage, which is the central part of the plane. Alexandra Skores, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract
Verb
  • Outreach workers who live among farmworkers are withdrawing a little, too.
    Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Iran’s top official appeared to contradict Trump, writing in an opinion article that talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman would be done through an intermediary.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This contradicts both the Second Chance Act and First Step Act, laws passed by Congress to ease institutional overcrowding, promote reentry, and reduce costs tied to outdated prison infrastructure.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An immigration judge denied her bond request Wednesday, citing her as a flight risk and danger to the community.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Citing information from an informant who officials have said is credible, the Department of Homeland Security has alleged that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim his family and attorneys deny.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retract

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