Retracting: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in formal or legal settings when someone is pulling back a statement, promise, or offer. This can also refer to physical objects being drawn back or pulled in.

• The company is retracting its earlier statement about the product's safety.
• The cat's claws were retracting after it finished scratching.

Used in both formal and informal settings when pulling out from an agreement, competition, or location. Often used for submissions, participants, or troops.

• She decided to withdraw her application from the job search.
• The troops were ordered to withdraw from the conflict zone.

This is an informal term often used in casual conversation when someone wants to nullify what they previously said or did.

• I take back what I said about not liking the movie; it was actually quite good.
• You can't just take back your promise like it meant nothing.

Used in formal contexts where an official decision, privilege, or right is being taken away or canceled.

• The authorities decided to revoke his driver's license after the third offense.
• Her visa was revoked because she violated the terms of her stay.

Typically used in serious contexts when someone publicly withdraws a previously held statement or belief, often under pressure or upon gaining new information.

• The scientist had to recant his earlier findings after new evidence was presented.
• Under threat, he was forced to recant his accusation.