Retract: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone formally takes back a statement or an accusation that they previously made. Often seen in legal or official contexts.

• The newspaper had to retract the false claim after they were sued for defamation
• He retracted his earlier comments during the press conference

Used when someone removes or takes away something, such as an offer, statement, or participation in an activity. Common in both formal and informal contexts.

• He decided to withdraw his application after receiving a better job offer
• She withdrew her support for the project after the budget was cut

Informal expression used in everyday language to indicate taking back words, promises, or items. It is less formal than 'retract' or 'recant'.

• I take back what I said; I didn’t mean to hurt you
• Can you take back this dress to the store?

Appropriate for situations where an official or formal cancellation of something like a right, decision, or document is involved.

• The government decided to revoke his driving license due to repeated offenses
• Her scholarship was revoked after she failed to meet the academic requirements

Refers specifically to the formal rejection or disavowal of a previously held belief or statement, often under pressure or due to a change in personal conviction. Usually involves public or official settings.

• Under immense pressure, the witness recanted his testimony
• She refused to recant her research findings despite the controversy

This word is often used in formal situations where someone takes back a statement, accusation, or promise. It is also used in mechanical or scientific contexts to describe something being drawn back.

• The politician had to retract his controversial statement.
• The scientist retracted the probe after collecting the data.

Used in both formal and informal contexts, this term indicates taking something or oneself back from a situation. It can refer to money, statements, or removing oneself from social situations.

• She plans to withdraw money from her savings account.
• He decided to withdraw from the competition.

Mostly used in more informal or colloquial speech, 'pull back' can describe a physical action or a strategic decision to move away from a position or plan.

• She decided to pull back from the project because it was too time-consuming.
• The army had to pull back due to heavy losses.

Often used to describe the gradual movement away or diminishing of something, such as water, hairline, or a memory. Usually has a more descriptive, observational tone.

• The flood waters began to recede after the rain stopped.
• As he aged, his hairline receded noticeably.