had been recanting

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of recant.
  recant

  verb (used with object)

  to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), especially formally; retract.

Related Words

• annul
• back down
• back off
• backtrack
• contradict
• disavow
• disown
• renege
• renounce
• repudiate
• rescind
• retract
• revoke
• take back