retraction vs recantation

retraction and recantation both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
retraction	Yes	No	No	No
recantation	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, retraction and recantation are synonyms defined as:

retraction and recantation: a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion

Other synonyms of retraction include abjuration.

retraction (noun)	recantation (noun)
the act of pulling or holding or drawing a part back	a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion
a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion