WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
re•cant /rɪˈkænt/USA pronunciation
v.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to withdraw, take back, or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), esp. formally;
retract: [~ + object]He recanted his testimony.[no object]must recant and promise to reform themselves.
re•cant
(ri kant′),USA pronunciation v.t.
v.i.
re•can•ta•tion
(rē′kan tā′shən),USA pronunciation n.
re•cant′er, n.
re•cant′ing•ly, adv.
- to withdraw or disavow (a statement, opinion, etc.), esp. formally; retract.
v.i.
- to withdraw or disavow a statement, opinion, etc., esp. formally.
- Latin recantāre to sing back, sing again, equivalent. to re- re- + cantāre, frequentative of canere to sing; compare chant
- 1525–35
re•cant′ing•ly, adv.
- 1. revoke, recall, rescind, deny.
'recantation' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):