Need another word for Retract? Use these synonyms of Retract from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
withdraw
recall
retract
pull back
take back
rescind
revoke
cancel
annul
nullify
abolish
repudiate
disavow
renounce
deny
disclaim
contradict
recant
backpedal
backtrack
reverse
renege
reprieve
postpone
defer
stay
suspend
hold back
draw back
shrink back
retreat
retire
disengage
cease
desist
stop
halt
terminate
Meaning of Retract
The primary meaning of the word "retract" is to withdraw or pull something back, often in a physical sense, or to withdraw a statement or opinion.
Definitions
- To pull or draw something back, especially into something else
- To withdraw or take back something, such as a statement or opinion
- To withdraw or remove something, such as a offer or a proposal
Etymology of Retract
The word "retract" comes from the Latin "retrahere", which means "to pull back" or "to withdraw", a combination of "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and "trahere" (meaning "to pull" or "to draw")
The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially with a physical sense, and later with a figurative sense of withdrawing a statement or opinion
Example Uses
- The company was forced to retract its statement after it was found to be false
- She retracted her hand from the hot stove
- The politician had to retract his comments after they sparked controversy
- The dog retracted its claws after it finished climbing the tree