retract
4 synonyms and 5 antonyms for retract, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull something back in, especially a part that extends outward.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To pull something back in, especially a part that extends outward.
“The cat retracted its claws once it calmed down.”
Opposites
How to use retract
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
retract a statement
retract claws
retract an offer
Etymology
From Latin retrahere, "to draw back" — from re- ("back") + trahere ("to pull").
Full origin of retract →Frequently asked questions
What does “retract” mean?
The word “retract” means to pull something back in, especially a part that extends outward. In plain terms, to pull something physically back in, or to officially withdraw something you said or wrote.
How do you pronounce “retract”?
“Retract” is pronounced rih-TRAKT (/ɹɪˈtɹækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “retract” in a sentence?
Here is “retract” used in a sentence: “The cat retracted its claws once it calmed down.”
What part of speech is “retract”?
“Retract” is a verb.
Where does the word “retract” come from?
The word “retract” comes from Latin. From Latin retrahere, "to draw back" — from re- ("back") + trahere ("to pull").
How many meanings does “retract” have?
“Retract” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull something back in, especially a part that extends outward.
