retracts
Takes it back
Retracts is the third-person singular of retract.
To retract is to draw back or withdraw—a cat retracts its claws, a turtle retracts its head.
The word extends to statements: to retract an accusation or claim is to formally take it back, admitting error or yielding to pressure.
The newspaper retracts the story after the lawsuit.
A retractable item can be pulled back into a housing: retractable landing gear.
Sanctuary or withdrawal
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- pull-backDeliberate rearward movement
- backtrackReverse one's position
- recedeMove back from
rescind · revoke · annul · repeal · renounce · disavow · recant · abjure
Deliberate rearward movement
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- foldBend onto itself
- collapseSudden structural failure
- slideSmooth continuous movement
coil · spring · recoil · shorten · shrink · tuck · curl · retractile
Think about something anew
- second-guessQuestion a decision afterward
- waverHesitate or fluctuate
- vacillateWaver between choices
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
equivocate · backpedal · qualify · doubt · pause · rethink · about-face
retreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
recede · rescind · revoke · annul · repeal · renounce · disavow · recant · abjure · unsay
pull-back
Deliberate rearward movement
slide · coil · spring · recoil · shorten · shrink · tuck · curl · retractile · extend
reconsider
Think about something anew
- second-guessQuestion a decision afterward
- waverHesitate or fluctuate
- vacillateWaver between choices
hedge · equivocate · backpedal · qualify · doubt · pause · rethink · about-face
actuator
Device producing controlled motion
- hydraulicsStudy of pressurized liquids
- springRecoiling metal spiral
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
piston · solenoid · servo · motor · gear · lever · linkage · ratchet · winch · pulley
retractsextends
Increases in scope
protrudes · projects · deploys · stretches out · unfurls
retractsreinforces
Strengthens or supports further
entrenches · doubles down · upholds · maintains · sustains
- 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
retract, retraction, retracted, retracting, retractable, retractor, retractors, retractions