verb
recant
ruh-KANT
Recant (verb) means to formally take back a statement or belief you previously expressed, especially in public. Example: “Under pressure, the scientist was forced to recant his findings.”
verb
1
To formally take back a statement or belief you previously expressed, especially in public.
"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."
— , Joe Biden’s China Journey (2020)
"Convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant."
"Under pressure, the scientist was forced to recant his findings."
"She refused to recant her testimony even in court."
How to use recant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPublicly withdrawing something you said or believed before.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "recount" (to tell or retell a story).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
recant a confession
forced to recant
refuse to recant
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- recants
- Past tense
- recanted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Under pressure, the scientist was forced to _____ his findings.
Etymology
First recorded in 1535, from Latin recantare ("to sing back, to revoke"), from re- plus canto ("to sing").
Class of 1535
recant joined the language around 1535.
See the full Class of 1535 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “recant” mean?
The word “recant” means to formally take back a statement or belief you previously expressed, especially in public. In plain terms, publicly withdrawing something you said or believed before.
How do you pronounce “recant”?
“Recant” is pronounced ruh-KANT (/ɹəˈkænt/ in IPA).
How do you use “recant” in a sentence?
Here is “recant” used in a sentence: “Under pressure, the scientist was forced to recant his findings.”
What is another word for “recant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “recant” include abjure, backpedal, disavow, disown, eat one's words and recall.
What is the opposite of “recant”?
The opposite of “recant” — its antonyms — are affirm, aver, double down, maintain and stand firm.
What part of speech is “recant”?
“Recant” is a verb.
Where does the word “recant” come from?
The word “recant” dates back to around 1535 and comes from Latin. First recorded in 1535, from Latin recantare ("to sing back, to revoke"), from re- plus canto ("to sing").
