Retraction

The act of withdrawing a statement or claim; a formal reversal or correction of something previously stated or published.

noun

💡

Imagine This

Picture a famous scientist releasing a groundbreaking paper, then weeks later issuing a formal retraction after an error is found in the data, accompanied by an apologetic note to readers.

🔊

Sounds Like

rih-TRAK-shuhn

👀

Looks Like

Looks like the base word 'retract' with the suffix -ion; resembles 'retract'.

📝

Remember This

Retractions are common in journalism and science and indicate a commitment to accuracy; they are related to the verb 'retract' (to pull back).

📚

Other Forms

retractverb

retractableadjective

retractionnoun

retractornoun

🔗

Connect With

withdrawal, recant, retract, revocation, denial, correction

📌

Note

Do not confuse with 'retraction' in anatomy or with 'retraction' meaning simply the physical act of pulling something back in. In most SAT contexts, it refers to withdrawing a statement or claim.

🧠

Study Deeper

Examples

The newspaper issued a retraction after discovering errors in its reporting.
After new evidence emerged, the researchers published a retraction of their previously published conclusions.

Synonyms

withdrawalrecantationrenunciationrevocationreversal

Antonyms

assertionconfirmationupholding

Etymology

From Latin retractio, from re- 'back' + tractus 'drawn'; related to the verb retract and the noun traction.

Mnemonic

RE-TRACT-ION: Remember that 're-' means back and 'tract' means draw; a retraction is drawing back a statement or claim.

How well do you know this word now?

Your choice schedules the next review.

Next Word

Continue in alphabetical order.

Retroactive

Try a Random Word

Pick any word below to jump in.

Enigma

noun

A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand; a puzzle.

Zealot

noun

A person who is fanatically devoted to a religious, political, or other cause; a fanatic.

Augment

verb

To increase or enlarge something by adding to it; to supplement or enhance.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Abasement

noun

The act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.

Absurdity

noun

The quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.

Accent

noun

A distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).

Accolade

noun

An honor; a public expression of praise or an award.

Acrimony

noun

Bitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling

Acronym

noun

A word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).

Study beyond this word

Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan

Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.

Compare all resources

Vocabulary in context

SAT Vocabulary Workbook

The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.

Check the workbook

The Official Digital SAT Study Guide book cover

First-time test takers

Official SAT Guide

Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.

Check the official guide

Paid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.