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

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 The research and teaching missions will further retract from each other. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 Ebicos Those who don't mind a permanent camper installation might prefer the simplicity of the Happy Dreamer Electric, which deploys and retracts with a single push of a button. — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026 But the subtitle’s Hail Mary overtones hit everybody wrong, everywhere, all at once, and the movie quickly retracted it. — Michael Phillips, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 The mop even retracts into the chassis, which extends a cover over it to eliminate contact with carpets. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retract

Verb

On Monday, Chinese manufacturer Kepuni Holdings withdrew plans for a Nasdaq listing that had been expected to raise $15 million.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Verb

Irma is not going to resolve her dilemma by having sex or cutting loose, nor by renouncing such pastimes and doubling down on intellect.

— B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Although economic espionage is not without risk, unilaterally renouncing the practice in the current global environment is far more dangerous.

— DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of renounce

Verb

An agent also needs to know where information came from, when it was updated and whether another source contradicts it.

— Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The contradicting geological and orbital observations for Phobos and Deimos collected to date have prevented scientists from definitively establishing one hypothesis over the other.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of contradict

Verb

This month, it was denied access to the plane for a trip to Georgia and Florida.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
In response, Amy Helm accused Parillo of financial exploitation and elder abuse of Sandra Helm in a June court filing; Parillo denied those charges.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deny

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retouching

retract

retracted

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“Retract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retract. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retract

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