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Definition of recant

recant

/rɪˈkænt/
re · cant
Adjective:recantatory
•
Past Simple:recanted
•
Past Participle:recanted
•
Present Participle:recanting
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recant Lexical Profile

recant Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To formally or publicly withdraw, renounce, or disavow a previously held belief, statement, or testimony as erroneous or false.

Example

"The key witness decided to recant his earlier testimony after new evidence came to light."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for recant
Antonyms
View all antonyms for recant

• Rhymes for recant

• Nearby Words

recalibration
recall
recallable
recant
recap
recapitulate
recapitulation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'recantare' (meaning 'to recall' or 'to revoke a charm'), formed from 're-' (expressing reversal) and 'cantare' ('to sing' or 'to chant').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Recant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/recant
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