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Showing results for recant. Search instead for recants.
Definitions

recant

[ri-kant] / rɪˈkænt /
VERB
take back something said
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annul back down back off backtrack contradict disavow disown renege renounce repudiate rescind retract revoke take back
STRONG
abjure abnegate abrogate apostatize cancel countermand deny disclaim forswear nullify recall repeal unsay void withdraw
WEAK
back out call back dial back eat one's words go back on one's word weasel out worm out of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept agree allow approve corroborate go forward
STRONG
acknowledge admit affirm establish pass permit sanction validate
WEAK
confirm emphasize recapitulate

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.

Later that the day, she appeared to recant the remarks in a state TV interview, warning that they should "not be misused".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2025

Decades after she and her sister had become sensations, Maggie Fox admitted it had all been a hoax — only to recant the confession later.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2025

Generally, it’s unusual for a cooperating witness to recant testimony years after a trial.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

She withdrew the allegation later, but Trump's biographer points out that her alimony payments were likely in danger if she did not recant.

From Salon • May 1, 2023

I might have this wrong, and that’s why I was going to wait and go through this with you face to face, but I think she wants to recant.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.