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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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 But in an interview with Al-Arabi TV, a senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said there was no basis to claims by Netanyahu that Hamas was retracting parts of the ceasefire agreement. —

Willem Marx, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 The compartments open and close upon takeoff and landing to deploy and retract wheels and other landing components, and other stowaways have fallen to their deaths from the openings, sometimes landing in public spaces along flight paths. —

Ali Watkins, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Stowaways often get crushed when the landing gear retracts, as there is not much room. —

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 The new design looks to better separate the rear slide-out hardware from the side slide-outs, which retract below the central vehicle roof. —

New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for retract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract

Verb

Moicano stepped in on weigh-in day when Makhachev’s initial opponent, Arman Tsarukyan withdrew with a back injury.

— Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Israeli troops are set to withdraw from the populated areas in Gaza.

— Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025