Synonyms

recant

American

[ri-kant] / rɪˈkænt /

verb (used with object)

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

Synonyms:

deny, rescind, recall, revoke

verb (used without object)

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

recant British

/ ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən, rɪˈkænt /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

recantation noun
recanter noun
recantingly adverb
unrecanted adjective
unrecanting adjective

Etymology

Origin of recant

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Years later, he said he was pressured by the FBI to recant his story.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

Later that the day, she appeared to recant the remarks in a state TV interview, warning that they should "not be misused".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2025

The most recent petitions discussing Autry’s decision to recant his testimony were filed in Hardin County Circuit Court on Jan. 22, based on what Adams’ lawyer refers to as new evidence.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

She withdrew the allegation later, but Trump's biographer points out that her alimony payments were likely in danger if she did not recant.

From Salon • May 1, 2023

She’d had to tell him the charges she’d made and tried to recant when she was begging for his assistance.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023