1. (n.) The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.

2. (n.) The act of withdrawing something advanced, stated, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.

3. (n.) The act of retracting or shortening; as, the retraction of a severed muscle; the retraction of a sinew.

4. (n.) The state or condition of a part when drawn back, or towards the center of the body.

abandonment abjuration abjurement abolishment abolition abrogation absolute contradiction annulment attrition cancel canceling cancellation cassation cession contradiction contrary assertion contravention controversion countering countermand counterorder crossing curtailment cut cutting decrease decrement defeasance denial depletion depreciation derogation detraction diminution dip disaffirmation disallowance disavowal disclaimer disclamation disowning disownment disparagement dispensation disposal disposition disproof dumping expatriation extraction forgoing forswearing gainsaying getting rid of giving up impairment impugnment invalidation lessening letting go nullification palinode palinody recall recantation recedence receding recession reduction refutation release relinquishment remission renege reneging renouncement renunciation repeal repudiation rescinding rescindment rescission resignation retirement retractation retractility retreat retrenchment retrocedence reversal revocation revoke revokement riddance sacrifice setting aside shortening shrinkage surrender suspension swearing off truncation unsaying vacation vacatur voidance voiding waiver waiving withdrawal write-off yielding