"Eat your words" is a common expression used in English language to imply that someone has to take back or apologize for their previous statement. However, there are various synonyms for the phrase that can be used interchangeably. Some of these are "swallow your pride", "recant", "retract", "own up", "withdraw", "apologize", "admit defeat", and "backpedal". All these words connote the idea of retracting a statement or admitting a mistake. These synonyms can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in an argument, a confession, or in admitting to being wrong. So, if someone tells you to "eat your words", you can always respond with one of these alternatives.