Redact vs. Retract: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Redact" means to edit or prepare text for publication, often by censoring or obscuring parts, while "retract" means to withdraw or take back a statement or claim.
Key Differences
"Redact" involves editing text to make it suitable for publication, often by removing sensitive or confidential information. "Retract", in contrast, is the act of formally withdrawing a statement or opinion previously made, typically because it is found to be erroneous or controversial.
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Dec 04, 2023
In the context of documents, "redact" often means to black out or obscure parts of a text for legal or security reasons. "Retract" is more about publicly disowning a previous statement, often in response to new information or errors.
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Dec 04, 2023
"Redact" can imply a careful revision process to protect privacy or comply with regulations. "Retract" suggests an acknowledgment of a mistake or misstatement, often followed by correction or apology.
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Dec 04, 2023
The action of redacting is common in legal and governmental settings to safeguard sensitive information. Retracting, however, is frequently seen in media, research, and public discourse, where accuracy and accountability are crucial.
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Dec 04, 2023
While "redact" is a proactive process of editing or censoring, "retract" is a reactive measure, often taken in response to external pressures or revelations.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Editing or obscuring parts of a text
Withdrawing a statement or claim
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Context
Legal, governmental, and publication settings
Media, research, and public discourse
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Purpose
To protect sensitive information, comply with laws
To correct a mistake or address a false statement
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Nature of Action
Proactive editing or censoring
Reactive withdrawal or disowning
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Implications for Integrity
Protects privacy or adheres to regulations
Acknowledges error or misjudgment
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Redact and Retract Definitions
Redact
To edit or prepare text for publication.
The report was redacted to remove classified information.
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Retract
To withdraw a statement or accusation as incorrect.
The journalist retracted the erroneous report.
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Redact
To obscure or remove sensitive information from a document.
Names were redacted from the legal document for privacy.
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Retract
To disavow a previous position or statement.
The company retracted its controversial policy statement.
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Redact
To selectively edit content to convey a specific message.
The speech was redacted to emphasize certain points.
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Retract
To formally apologize for a false or misleading statement.
The newspaper retracted the story and issued an apology.
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Redact
To censor or alter text for security or privacy reasons.
The emails were redacted before being released to the public.
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Dec 04, 2023
Redact
To delete or remove (private or sensitive information) from a document in preparation for publication.
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Oct 19, 2023
Redact
To censor, to black out or remove parts of a document while leaving the remainder.
The military will redact the document before releasing it, blacking out sections that are classified.
The names and email addresses of the users were redacted from the public data.
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Oct 19, 2023
Redact
(legal) To black out legally protected sections of text in a document provided to opposing counsel, typically as part of the discovery process.
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Redact
To reduce to form, as literary matter; to digest and put in shape (matter for publication); to edit.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To pull (something) back or back inside.
Pull back
An airplane retracts its wheels for flight.
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Redact
(obsolete) To bring together in one unit; to combine or bring together into one.
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Redact
(obsolete) To gather or organize works or ideas into a unified whole; to collect, order, or write in a written document or to put into a particular written form.
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Retract
(phonetics) To pronounce (a sound, especially a vowel) farther to the back of the vocal tract.
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Redact
To bring an area of study within the comprehension capacity of a person.
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Retract
(intransitive) To draw back; to draw up; to withdraw.
The bus was stuck at the stop as its wheelchair ramp wouldn’t retract after use.
Muscles retract after amputation.
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Redact
(obsolete) To reduce to a particular condition or state, especially one that is undesirable.
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Redact
(obsolete) To reduce something physical to a certain form, especially by destruction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To cancel or take back (something, such as an edict or a favour or grant previously bestowed); to rescind, to revoke.
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Oct 19, 2023
Redact
To reduce to form, as literary matter; to digest and put in shape (matter for publication); to edit.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To take back or withdraw (something that has been said or written); to disavow, to repudiate.
I retract all the accusations I made about the senator and sincerely hope he won’t sue me.
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Redact
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
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Retract
(games) Originally in chess and now in other games as well: to take back or undo (a move); specifically (card games) to take back or withdraw (a card which has been played).
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Redact
Prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting;
Edit a a book on lexical semantics
She edited the letters of the politician so as to omit the most personal passages
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Redact
To revise or edit a text for clarity and coherence.
She redacted the manuscript to enhance its readability.
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Retract
Of something said or written (such as published academic work): to take back or withdraw.
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Retract
To change one's mind after declaring an intention to make a certain move.
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Retract
An act of retracting or withdrawing (a mistake, a statement, etc.); a retraction.
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Retract
A pulling back, especially (military) of an army or military troops; a pull-back, a retreat; also, a signal for this to be done.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To draw back; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.
I would as freely have retracted this charge of idolatry as I ever made it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration.
She will, and she will not; she grants, denies,Consents, retracts, advances, and then files.
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Retract
Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure;
He retracted his earlier statements about his religion
She abjured her beliefs
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Retract
Use a surgical instrument to hold open (the edges of a wound or an organ)
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Retract
Pull inward or towards a center;
The pilot drew in the landing gear
The cat retracted his claws
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Oct 19, 2023
Retract
To take back an opinion or claim, often publicly.
He retracted his earlier comments during the interview.
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Dec 04, 2023
Retract
To pull back or withdraw support for an idea or theory.
The scientist retracted her hypothesis after the experiment.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is redacting always about hiding information?
Often, but it can also be about editing for clarity or coherence.
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Is retracting a statement a sign of unreliability?
Not necessarily; it can show responsibility and commitment to accuracy.
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Can redaction be partial, leaving some information visible?
Yes, redaction often involves obscuring specific sensitive parts.
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Can retracting be done by anyone who made a public statement?
Yes, anyone who has made a public statement can choose to retract it.
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Can retracting be forced by legal action?
Yes, in some cases, legal considerations can compel a retraction.
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Can retracting a statement be done privately?
Typically, retracting is a public action, especially if the original statement was public.
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Is redacting used in government documents?
Yes, it's widely used in government for security and privacy reasons.
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Does redacting always involve blacking out text?
Not always; it can also mean revising or rephrasing parts of the text.
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Does redacting alter the original meaning of a text?
It can, especially if key information is obscured or removed.
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Does retracting harm the credibility of a source?
It can, but it can also improve credibility if handled transparently.
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Do legal professionals frequently use redaction?
Yes, it's a common practice in legal documents to protect confidentiality.
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Is redacting common in journalistic contexts?
Yes, particularly in investigative journalism involving sensitive data.
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Can retracting be a strategic move in public relations?
Yes, it can be used to manage or mitigate negative publicity.
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Is retracting always followed by an apology?
Not always, but it is common, especially in cases of misinformation.
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Can redaction be automated, like with software?
Yes, there are software tools designed for automated redaction.
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Does redacting require special authorization?
In some contexts, like classified information, it does require authorization.
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Can a retraction be subject to scrutiny or criticism?
Yes, the reasons and manner of a retraction can be scrutinized.
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Is a retraction legally binding?
It can have legal implications, but it's not always legally binding.
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Are redacted documents always classified?
Not necessarily; they can also be redacted for privacy or legal compliance.
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Can a retraction be partial, like correcting only part of a statement?
Yes, partial retractions are possible, addressing specific inaccuracies.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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