retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

His charges were false, and he was forced to make/issue a retraction.

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

retraction of the plane's landing gear

3

: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction.

the retraction of the plane's landing gear

Recent Examples on the Web

But other scientists argue that there’s a lack of hard evidence showing glyphosate to be safe, especially following the retraction in November of a landmark study cited by many regulators as proof that the herbicide is not carcinogenic. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026

The letter notes the post was later retracted, though not for a full day, and that the retraction itself repeated the original accusation. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026

Only two of the six authors responded to and agreed with the journal's retraction. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026

Still, critics argue the retraction underscores the need for careful reexamination as the agency approaches a 2026 deadline to review glyphosate’s safety. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: a statement taking back something previously said

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

3

: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act or instance of retracting

specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part

retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act of taking back or withdrawing

retraction of a confession

her retraction of the defamatory statement