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.

"Elmo had to retract his statement cause the city was like you a New Yorker."

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Musk quickly posted on X that "the hydraulic pin holding the tower arm in place did not retract."

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

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

“Mrs. Buckman,” he said, “perhaps you would like to retract those last words? They seem unnecessarily harsh.”

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo

Vocabulary lists containing retract

Change Your Mind

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT words Beginning with "R"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Henry David Thoreau "Civil Disobedience" (1849)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!