Recant
Trials, Twitter threads, and heated arguments all have a moment where someone must take words back in public.
Learn This WordMeaning
To withdraw or repudiate a previous statement, belief, or commitment.
Memory trick
RE-CANT: sing it again differently, take your old tune back.
Examples
The witness later recanted key parts of his testimony.
She refused to recant her criticism despite pressure.
He publicly recanted the claim after reviewing corrected data.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin recantare "to sing again; retract," from re- "again" + cantare "to sing."
Usage Notes
Often used in legal, political, or public accountability contexts.
Real-life contexts
Use in media context: "He recanted after evidence surfaced."
Use in policy: "If facts change, we should recant and correct."
Use carefully: implies a clear reversal, not minor edits.
Common Mistakes
Recant is stronger than “clarify”; it means taking back a position.
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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