Recant — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈkant/ re·cant

Meaning & Definition of Recant

Recant (verb)

  1. to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly, renounce
  2. revoke
  3. to make an open confession of error

Recant (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: abjure, abnegate, forswear, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw
    related: contradict, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, abandon, bolt, forsake, give up, relinquish, spurn, surrender, controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute, back down, back off, backtrack, disallow, recall, revoke
    opposite: adhere (to)
    near: acknowledge, admit, affirm, assert, avow, claim, contend, declare, maintain, proclaim, profess, state, vouch, vow, back, confirm, defend, endorse, espouse, support, uphold, accept, adopt, embrace

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Recant

The most common words with a similar meaning to Recant:

abjure, abnegate, forswear, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Recant

Words with the opposite meaning of Recant:

adhere (to)

Related Words for Recant

contradict, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, abandon, bolt, forsake, give up, relinquish, spurn, surrender, controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute, back down, back off, backtrack, disallow, recall, revoke

Near Antonyms of Recant

acknowledge, admit, affirm, assert, avow, claim, contend, declare, maintain, proclaim, profess, state, vouch, vow, back, confirm, defend, endorse, espouse, support, uphold, accept, adopt, embrace

Word Forms of Recant

Inflections: recanted, recanting, recants

Derived words: recantation (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Recant

Latin recantare, from re- + cantare to sing chant

First known use: 1535t

Frequently Asked Questions about Recant

What does "Recant" mean?

"Recant" means to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly, renounce. As a verb, it is defined as: to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly, renounce.

What is another word for "Recant"?

Other words for "Recant" include abjure, abnegate, forswear, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate and retract. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Recant" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Recant"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Recant". Common alternatives include abjure, abnegate, forswear, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back and unsay.

What is the opposite of "Recant"?

Antonyms of "Recant" include adhere (to). Near antonyms include acknowledge, admit, affirm and assert.

How do you use "Recant" in a sentence?

Examples of "Recant" in a sentence: "the Inquisition forced Galileo to recant his support of the Copernican observation that the earth revolves around the sun".

Is "Recant" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Recant" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Recant"?

"Recant" is pronounced /ri-ˈkant/ and divided into syllables as re·cant.

What is the origin of the word "Recant"?

"Recant" comes from Latin recantare, from re- + cantare to sing chant. First known use: 1535t.