recant vs retract

recant and retract both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
recant	No	No	Yes	No
retract	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, recant and retract are synonyms defined as:

recant and retract: formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

Other synonyms of recant include abjure, forswear, resile.

recant (verb)	retract (verb)
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure	formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
	pull inward or towards a center
	use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
	pull away from a source of disgust or fear