retractation

retractation

The author issued a formal retractation of the earlier statement.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act of taking back or withdrawing a statement, promise, or opinion: "retractation" refers to the formal or explicit withdrawal of something previously said, claimed, or promised. It often implies an acknowledgment of error or a change of mind.
Usage Examples
  • (He formally withdrew his previous statements.)
  • (She took back the commitment she had made.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to make a retractation": to formally withdraw a statement or position.

    • The newspaper printed a retractation of the false story. (The publication officially corrected its error.)

  • "retractation of a claim": the act of disavowing a legal or personal assertion.

    • The lawyer advised his client to consider a retractation of the claim to avoid further litigation. (Withdrawing the claim to prevent a lawsuit.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Retract (verb): to draw back or withdraw something, especially a statement.

    • He had to retract his accusation after new evidence emerged. (He took back the accusation.)

  • Retractable (adj): capable of being drawn back or withdrawn.

    • The pen has a retractable tip. (The tip can be pulled back into the pen.)

  • Retraction (noun): another common form meaning the same as "retractation," though "retraction" is more frequently used in modern English.

    • The magazine issued a retraction for the incorrect article. (A formal withdrawal of the published error.)
Synonyms
  • Withdrawal: the act of taking back something said or offered.
  • Recantation: formal renunciation of a previously held belief or statement (often used in religious or political contexts).
  • Abjuration: a solemn renunciation or rejection (more formal and less common).
Related Idioms

  • Eat one's words: to be forced to retract what one has said, often due to being proven wrong.

    • After the data was released, he had to eat his words about the project's success. (He had to admit he was mistaken and retract his earlier statements.)

  • Take back: a common phrasal verb meaning to retract a statement.

    • I take back what I said about you. (I withdraw my previous comment.)