retractable

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Designed to be pulled back or drawn inward, especially a mechanical part.

   Grammar: Usually describes a noun: a retractable roof, retractable landing gear.

   Patterns

   • retractable roof
   • retractable blade
   • retractable landing gear
   • retractable leash

   The stadium has a retractable roof that closes when it rains.

   The pen has a retractable tip that you push to use.

   The airplane's retractable landing gear folds up after takeoff.

2. 2adjectivenot comparableformal

   Able to be withdrawn or taken back, as a statement or offer.

   Grammar: Often used in formal contexts: a retractable statement.

   Patterns

   • retractable offer
   • retractable statement

   The company made a retractable offer, meaning they could withdraw it at any time.

   His apology seemed retractable, as if he might take it back.

Common combinations

retractable roof

The new sports arena features a retractable roof.

retractable blade

Always use a retractable blade carefully.

retractable landing gear

The pilot checked the retractable landing gear before landing.

retractable leash

She bought a retractable leash for her dog.

Synonyms and how they differ

extendable

Extendable means able to be made longer, while retractable means able to be pulled back in; they are often used for different directions of movement.

collapsible

Collapsible means able to be folded down, often for storage, whereas retractable means able to slide or pull back into a housing.

Opposites

Word family

retract verb

To pull back or withdraw something.

retraction noun

The act of pulling back or taking back a statement.

Commonly confused: retractable or retractile?

Practice

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