Retract — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈtrakt/ re·tract

Meaning & Definition of Retract

Retract (verb)

  1. to draw back or in
  2. take back, withdraw
  3. disavow

Retract (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: abjure, abnegate, forswear, recant, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, 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 Retract

The most common words with a similar meaning to Retract:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Retract

Words with the opposite meaning of Retract:

adhere (to)

Related Words for Retract

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 Retract

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 Retract

Inflections: retracted, retracting, retracts

Derived words: retractable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Retract

Middle English, from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere retreat

First known use: 15th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Retract

What does "Retract" mean?

"Retract" means to draw back or in. As a verb, it is defined as: to draw back or in.

What is another word for "Retract"?

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

What are different ways to say "Retract"?

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

What is the opposite of "Retract"?

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

How do you use "Retract" in a sentence?

Examples of "Retract" in a sentence: "the newspaper was forced to retract the story, which turned out to be based on fabricated reporting".

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

"Retract" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Retract"?

"Retract" is pronounced /ri-ˈtrakt/ and divided into syllables as re·tract.

What is the origin of the word "Retract"?

"Retract" comes from Middle English, from Latin retractus, past participle of retrahere retreat. First known use: 15th centuryt.