Recant

Quick meaning: Recant is a verb meaning (ambitransitive) To withdraw or repudiate a statement or opinion formerly expressed, especially formally and publicly.

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To withdraw or repudiate a statement or opinion formerly expressed, especially formally and publicly.

More Meanings

1. To give a new cant (slant, angle) to something, in particular railway track on a curve.

Example Sentences

Convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant.

How soon […] ease would recant / Vows made in pain, as violent and void!

Numerous curves, which previously had given no trouble at 75 and 80 m.p.h., were realigned and recanted to adapt them for 90 m.p.h. and more, [...].

But as Mr. Trump denounces what he describes as failures by the Washington establishment on China, Mr. Biden, an avatar of that establishment, is not recanting his past enthusiasm for engagement.

Word Forms

• recants
• recanting
• recanted

Synonyms for recant

Depending on context, synonyms include abjure, backpedal, disavow, disown, recall, retract.

Antonyms for recant

Common opposites include affirm, aver, maintain, uphold.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include retract, abjure, forswear, withdraw, reject, budge.

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