recant

[ ri-kant ]

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: deny, rescind, recall, revoke

verb (used without object)

1. to withdraw or disavow a statement, opinion, etc., especially formally.

recant

/ ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən; rɪˈkænt /

verb

1. to repudiate or withdraw (a former belief or statement), esp formally in public

Derived Forms

• reˈcanter, noun
• recantation, noun

Other Words From

• re·can·ta·tion [ree-kan-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• re·canter noun
• re·canting·ly adverb
• unre·canted adjective
• unre·canting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

1525–35; < Latin recantāre to sing back, sing again, equivalent to re- re- + cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing; chant

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

C16: from Latin recantāre to sing again, from re- + cantāre to sing; see chant

Example Sentences

Baltimore’s recant hasn’t changed a thing, Wade argues, writing to the Los Angeles Times’ Hiltzik that he believes “the totality of the quote” still supports his case.

From Nautilus

There are still many open questions around the situation — like if Apple was aware of García Martínez’s writing, if he was terminated or willingly resigned, and if he was given a chance to recant his earlier stated views before leaving.

From Vox

So if Newsom’s supporters can convince enough recall signatories to recant by June 8, he can avoid a referendum.

From FiveThirtyEight

A claim made by a postal worker in Pennsylvania about ballots being tampered with was later recanted.

From Washington Post

The board of overseers found out that Carey offered her a nondisclosure agreement to recant the testimony in exchange for the title to his car and $1,000.

From ProPublica

However, she has since refused to recant her story and stands by her original claim.

From The Daily Beast

A great opinion prevailed that he was about to recant; others thought that he wanted further time.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not too late, he would recant, and go back and enter the Church, and become a great and powerful prelate.

From Project Gutenberg

He shall do this; or else I do recant The pardon that I late pronouncèd here.

From Project Gutenberg

He was required to recant, to abjure the doctrines he had taught; not in private, but publicly before the world.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not like the idea of being alone, and if he did not formally recant in so many words, he did so by his actions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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