Retract antonyms,antonyms of retract
Extend
- Analysis: "Extend" is an antonym of "retract" as it means to make something longer, larger, or to stretch it out. While "retract" implies a reduction or withdrawal, "extend" involves an expansion or elongation. In various contexts, such as extending a physical object, extending a deadline, or extending one's influence, it is the opposite of pulling back or retracting.
- Example: They decided to extend the meeting for another hour to discuss all the issues thoroughly, instead of retracting the original plan to have a shorter meeting.
Expand
- Analysis: "Expand" means to increase in size, scope, or quantity. It is contrary to "retract" which suggests a contraction or reduction. When you expand something, you are making it more extensive or comprehensive, moving in the opposite direction of retracting, which is about pulling back or making smaller.
- Example: The company plans to expand its business overseas, not retract from the international market.
Prolong
- Analysis: "Prolong" means to make something last longer or to extend the duration of something. This is opposite to "retract" which doesn't have to do with lengthening but rather with taking back or shortening. Prolonging is about adding more time or stretching out a process, while retracting is about cutting short or reversing.
- Example: They wanted to prolong the vacation by a few days, rather than retract and go back home earlier.
Advance
- Analysis: "Advance" implies moving forward, making progress, or promoting something. It is an antonym of "retract" because "retract" often involves moving backward or pulling something back. When you advance, you are pushing ahead, whether it's in a physical sense like advancing troops or in a more abstract sense like advancing an idea or a project.
- Example: The research team was able to advance their findings, not retract their previous statements without good reason.
Affirm
- Analysis: In the context of statements or positions, "affirm" is an antonym of "retract". "Affirm" means to state or assert something positively and firmly, while "retract" means to take back or disavow a previous statement. Affirming is about standing by and validating something, whereas retracting is about rejecting or withdrawing it.
- Example: He chose to affirm his support for the policy, not retract his earlier endorsement.