recant
verb (used with object)
to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), especially formally; retract.
recanted
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past participleof recant.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof recant.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
recantverb (used with object)to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), especially formally; retract.
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.
They say the case was built on the testimony of unreliable witnesses, some of whom have given statements against him only for them to be later recanted in court.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
When war was declared, David recanted his previously strong pro-German views and toed a patriotic line.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026
Capitalwatch fully recanted its report alleging AppLovin served as a “laundering machine.”
From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026
Three days later, he recanted that confession and spent the rest of his life professing his innocence, claiming that he was made a patsy for the real assassin, a man he called “Raoul.”
From Slate ● Dec. 1, 2025
Step-by-step, in a quiet monotone voice, Burkhart recanted.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
