Recantation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ri-ˈkant/ re·cant

Meaning & Definition of Recantation

Recantation (verb)

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

Recantation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in denial, disavowal

    similar: denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, bait and switch, switcheroo, reconsideration, retreat, second thought, about-face, about-turn (British), flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Related Entry: Recant (verb)

Recant is a different word from Recantation. The synonyms below are for recant, not for recantation.

  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 Recantation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Recantation:

British: about-turn
denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, bait and switch, switcheroo, reconsideration, retreat, second thought, about-face, flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face, hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling

Word Forms of Recantation

Inflections: recanted, recanting, recants

Derived words: recantation (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Recantation

Latin recantare, from re- + cantare to sing chant

First known use: 1535t

Frequently Asked Questions about Recantation

What does "Recantation" mean?

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

What is another word for "Recantation"?

Other words for "Recantation" include denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, renunciation, repudiation, retraction and bait and switch. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Recantation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Recantation"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Recantation". Common alternatives include denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, renunciation, repudiation, retraction, bait and switch, switcheroo and reconsideration.

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

"Recantation" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Recantation"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Recantation"?

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

What is another word for "Recantation" meaning "as in denial, disavowal"?

When "Recantation" (noun) means as in denial, disavowal, synonyms include denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, renunciation and repudiation.

What are the forms of "Recantation"?

The word forms of "Recantation" include recanted, recanting and recants.