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Definitions

take back

VERB
retract
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cancel reclaim renege repeal repossess rescind revoke withdraw
WEAK
abjure back down backpedal call off change one's mind eat one's words forget it go back on have change of heart recall recant repudiate
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow approve permit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition, as part of the new agreement, the district agreed to rescind more than 200 layoffs and is being pressed to take back more.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Russia has never helped NPT nonweapons states make nuclear fuel; it sells them Russian enriched fuel and offers to take back their plutonium-laden spent fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“The FDA under Secretary Kennedy for the first time in many years is responsive to the aspirations of Americans to take back their health,” said HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

In an abandoned warehouse in Johannesburg, Prof Grace sets out her high-stakes plan - to break into museums and private collections and take back artefacts mostly plundered during colonial times.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

“Now, I’ve offended him. Well, if it does him good, I’m glad, if it makes him hate me, I’m sorry, but it’s true, and I can’t take back a word of it.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott