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
The governor’s lawyers sent Fox News a letter demanding a retraction and an on-air apology from Watters; if the network complies, the governor would drop the suit, per the letter.
—
Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 June 2025
Newsom’s team has offered to withdraw the lawsuit if Fox issues a public retraction and on-air apology.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Chin tucks, scapular retractions, wall angels, and resisted rows to retrain postural muscles 3 to 4 times weekly.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025
The president reacted to Musk's retraction in a phone call with the New York Post.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for retraction
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Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 June 2025
Newsom’s team has offered to withdraw the lawsuit if Fox issues a public retraction and on-air apology.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Chin tucks, scapular retractions, wall angels, and resisted rows to retrain postural muscles 3 to 4 times weekly.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025
The president reacted to Musk's retraction in a phone call with the New York Post.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for retraction
Cite this Entry
“Retraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retraction. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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