retractable

Can be withdrawn

Retractable describes something designed to be drawn back or pulled in when not in use.

A retractable awning extends for shade and retracts for storage.

Retractable claws on a cat withdraw into the paw.

A retractable pen has a mechanism that pulls the tip inside.

The word emphasizes that retraction is a built-in feature, not damage or failure.

mechanism

spring-loaded

Powered by compressed coil

telescopicExtending via nested tubes
collapsibleAble to compress compactly
extendableAble to increase length

folding · sliding · recoiling · motorized · cable · pulley · lever · actuator · gear · coiling

benefits

space-saving

Minimizing area used

compactTightly packed together
stowableAble to be stored
foldableAble to bend flat

hideaway · recessed · streamlined · practical · convenient · neat · tidy · efficient · portable · protected

products

awning

Mounted overhead shelter

antennaBroadcast signal receiver
leashAnimal restraint cord
seatbeltVehicle passenger restraint

sunshade · umbrella · bollard · keyboard · clothesline · skylight · pen · hardtop · stanchion · divider

design

adjustable

Able to be changed

extendableAble to increase length
expandableAble to be enlarged
contractibleAble to be shrunk

flexible · modifiable · convertible · reconfigurable · transformable · customizable · scalable · lockable · segmented · nested

biology

talon

Raptor's curved nail

fangPointed predator tooth
stingerVenom-injecting body part
proboscisElongated animal head appendage

tentacle · eyestalk · tongue · ovipositor · pseudopod

Categories

mechanicalhydraulic, pneumatic, spring-loaded, motorized, belt-driven
space saverswall bed, loft bed, bunk bed, trundle bed, futon
extendabletelescopic, extendable, expandable, elastic, bungee
markersmarker, markers, permanent marker, permanent markers, highlighter
Ballpoint Pensballpoint, click pen, disposable pen, refillable, capped
packablecollapsible, foldable, packable, compressible, rollable

Opposites

physical extendability/withdrawal capability

retractablefixed

Restored or immovable

nonretractable · permanent · stationary · immovable · rigid

permanence/reversibility

retractablepermanent

Fixed without end

irreversible · fixed · irrevocable · unchangeable · immutable

Phrases

retractable roofMovable overhead covering
retractable leashSelf-winding pet tether
retractable clawsNails that withdraw into paws
retractable penSelf-sheathing writing instrument
retractable cordCable with automatic rewind
retractable bladeEdge that retracts into handle

Family

contract, attract, extract, tractor, distract, subtract, distraction, distracted, retract

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G