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Definitions

retract

[ri-trakt] / rɪˈtrækt /
VERB
take back; renege on
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back down back off cancel deny disavow disown pull back recant renege renounce repeal repudiate rescind reverse revoke rule out take back withdraw
STRONG
abjure back countermand disclaim eliminate exclude forswear recall recede retreat retrograde sheathe suspend unsay unsend
WEAK
back out of call off change one's mind draw in eat one's words fall back forget it go back on have change of heart pull in reel in retrocede take in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
acknowledge admit agree allow approve enforce go forward permit sanction
STRONG
accept advance forge include welcome
WEAK
corroborate emphasize reaffirm repeat

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.

Melania Trump later sent a letter to Wolff demanding that he retract his statements, apologize and offer her a financial settlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Parnell demanded Financial Times retract the report, but did not provide direct evidence that the report was false.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

So the department had to withdraw large portions of four different briefs filed in this case, retract multiple statements made at oral arguments, and ask Castel to correct his own opinion repeating this error.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

If he is not allowed to retract his plea, there will be another hearing later in the year to consider his appeal against his sentence.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

I heard the landing gear retract with a thud just as I seated myself at the controls.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline