recant

[ ri-kant ]

verb (used with object)

1. to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), especially formally; retract.

   Synonyms: deny, rescind, recall, revoke

verb (used without object)

1. to withdraw or disavow a statement, opinion, etc., especially formally.

recant

/ ˌriːkænˈteɪʃən; rɪˈkænt /

verb

1. to repudiate or withdraw (a former belief or statement), esp formally in public

Derived Forms

• recantation, noun
• reˈcanter, noun

Other Words From

• re·can·ta·tion [ree-kan-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• re·canter noun
• re·canting·ly adverb
• unre·canted adjective
• unre·canting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

1525–35; < Latin recantāre to sing back, sing again, equivalent to re- re- + cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing; chant

Word History and Origins

Origin of recant¹

C16: from Latin recantāre to sing again, from re- + cantāre to sing; see chant

Example Sentences

Glossip would likely have been executed already, but in 2023, the Oklahoma City district attorney’s office that had prosecuted him turned over evidence showing that Sneed had been diagnosed with serious mental illness and had attempted to recant his testimony, facts the office was aware of at Glossip’s trial but did not disclose.

From Slate

And this witness later said he wanted to recant—he admitted he was scared and just said stuff to save his life, and wanted to take it back.

From Slate

Members of the congregation were urged to publicly recant their sins.

From BBC

The most recent petitions discussing Autry’s decision to recant his testimony were filed in Hardin County Circuit Court on Jan. 22, based on what Adams’ lawyer refers to as new evidence.

From Seattle Times

Generally, it’s unusual for a cooperating witness to recant testimony years after a trial.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• annul
• back down
• back off
• backtrack
• contradict
• disavow
• disown
• renege
• renounce
• repudiate
• rescind
• retract
• revoke
• take back