recant
Take it back
To recant is to formally withdraw or disavow a previously held belief, statement, or position—typically under pressure or after reflection.
The word carries weight: it suggests not just changing your mind but publicly renouncing what you once claimed: Galileo was forced to recant his theory that the Earth moved around the Sun.
She recanted her earlier testimony.
Remove or pull away
- take backWithdraw previous words
- unsayRetract a statement
- backtrackReverse one's position
- reverseTurn to opposite
disavow · repudiate · renounce · abjure · forswear · recall · rescind · revoke
Abandon one's religion
- abjureSolemnly reject or recant
- renounceFormally give up
- forswearReject under oath
- abandonLeave behind permanently
reject · disavow · heresy · apostasy · convert · defect · faith · doctrine
Refuse to admit
- disownReject connection to
- disclaimDeny connection or responsibility
- rejectDismiss as unsuitable
- repudiateReject as having no authority
contradict · disaffirm · gainsay · negate · disavow · abnegate · refuse · dispute
Acknowledge wrongdoing openly
- admitConfess or grant entry
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- statementExpressed claim or fact
witness · deposition · coerced · forced · false confession · interrogation · pressure · duress
Feel remorse, resolve change
- atoneMake reparation for wrongdoing
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
regret · sorry · mea culpa · penance · sackcloth · absolution · forgiveness · contrite
withdraw
Remove or pull away
reverse · disavow · repudiate · renounce · abjure · forswear · recall · rescind · revoke · annul
apostatize
Abandon one's religion
abandon · reject · disavow · heresy · apostasy · convert · defect · faith · doctrine · dogma
deny
Refuse to admit
repudiate · contradict · disaffirm · gainsay · negate · disavow · abnegate · refuse · dispute · challenge
confess
Acknowledge wrongdoing openly
- admitConfess or grant entry
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
statement · witness · deposition · coerced · forced · false confession · interrogation · pressure · duress · trial
repent
Feel remorse, resolve change
- atoneMake reparation for wrongdoing
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
penitence · regret · sorry · mea culpa · penance · sackcloth · absolution · forgiveness · contrite · penitent
recantdouble down
Strengthen one's stance
dig in · reaffirm · stand firm · hold fast · persist