retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act of recanting

specifically : a statement made by one retracting

2

: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted

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

In their response, published in the interests of fairness along with the retraction by Science, the team stated their disappointment. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 July 2025

Paul said the trade group hopes Trump’s actions catalyzes growth for the industry, rather than causing further job retraction. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2025

This drop followed the company’s announcement of disappointing Q1 results, the later retraction of its earnings forecast, and sudden shifts in top management. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The protraction and retraction of the shoulder blades can also ease soreness from wearing a backpack. —Ingrid Yang Md, Outside Online, 29 May 2025

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