retraction

noun

re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
1
: an act of recanting
specifically : a statement made by one retracting
2
: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3
: the ability to retract

Examples of retraction in a Sentence

His charges were false, and he was forced to make a retraction. the retraction of the plane's landing gear
Recent Examples on the Web The retraction of the essay comes as a new generation of activists in the literary world frames the conflict in the Middle East as a black-and-white battle between two sides — oppressor and oppressed — and pressures institutions to boycott Israeli or Zionist writers. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 In this case, at least, the retraction from major media organizations holds more weight than amateur social media breakdowns and viral multi-video TikTok investigations. Mia Sato, The Verge, 12 Mar. 2024 The retractions sent the online rumor mill, already rampant with speculation over Kate’s operation and recuperation, into overdrive. Jill Lawless, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2024 Legend has it that studio publicity boss Charlie Einfeld wrote to Academy president Walter Wanger asking Schallert for a retraction. Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 No retraction had been posted by Santos as of late Saturday. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2024 Not only have academics questioned peer review reliability for decades, but the retraction of more than 10,000 research papers in 2023 set a new record. Jt Torres, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024 Graeme Sloan / Sipa USA via AP file The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, also recently had to request the retraction of six studies and seek corrections for 31 others after a biologist and blogger unearthed several instances of research misconduct. Char Adams, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2024 While Erdely and her editors came under scrutiny for journalistic lapses that resulted in the retraction of an article, Erdely did not invent a story or intentionally publish false information. New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retraction was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near retraction

Cite this Entry

“Retraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retraction. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
1
: a statement taking back something previously said
2
: an act of retracting : the state of being retracted
3
: the ability to retract

Medical Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
: an act or instance of retracting
specifically : backward or inward movement of an organ or part
retraction of the nipple or skin overlying the tumor Journal of the American Medical Association

Legal Definition

retraction

noun
re·​trac·​tion ri-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce retraction (audio)
: an act of taking back or withdrawing
retraction of a confession
her retraction of the defamatory statement

More from Merriam-Webster on retraction

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