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Recant: meaning, example and synonyms

Recantv. To publicly withdraw a statement or belief one previously held.

Flashcard for Recant (verb): to publicly withdraw a statement or belief one previously held. Example: Confronted with new fossil evidence, the paleontologist recanted her earlier claim that the species had been cold-blooded. Synonyms: retract, withdraw, renounce, take back. Antonyms: affirm, reaffirm, maintain, uphold. Memory tip: Re (back) + cantare (to sing): sing your old tune backward. Illustration: a scientist at a podium setting aside an old dinosaur model and lifting up a revised feathered model, the seated audience leaning forward in surprise.

Example

Confronted with new fossil evidence, the paleontologist recanted her earlier claim that the species had been cold-blooded.

Part of speech
verb
Synonyms
retract, withdraw, renounce, take back
Antonyms
affirm, reaffirm, maintain, uphold
Memory tip
Re (back) + cantare (to sing): sing your old tune backward.

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Check yourself: Recant in context

Pick the word that best completes each text.

Question 1

Under pressure from his superiors, the young astronomer ______ his claim that the comet would return, though privately he never doubted his calculations.

Question 2

When later DNA tests contradicted her testimony, the witness ______, admitting that she could not in fact identify the suspect.

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