RENOUNCE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'renounce' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words abdicate and resign are common synonyms of renounce . While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. // renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

Q: When could 'abdicate' be used to replace 'renounce'?

Although the words abdicate and renounce have much in common, abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. // abdicated the throne

Q: When is it sensible to use 'resign' instead of 'renounce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to renounce , resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. // resigned from the board

renounce

verb

ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s

Definition of renounce next

as in to relinquish

to give up (as a position of authority) formally in wake of the corruption scandal, the congressman was forced to renounce his seat in the House

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to withdraw

to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) after another failed romance he vowed that he was renouncing the world and becoming a monk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word renounce distinct from other similar verbs?

The words abdicate and resign are common synonyms of renounce. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When could abdicate be used to replace renounce?

Although the words abdicate and renounce have much in common, abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

When is it sensible to use resign instead of renounce?

While in some cases nearly identical to renounce, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of renounce In 2007, at 52 years old, Rinder renounced Scientology, becoming a prominent whistleblower against the organization's abuses. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Jan. 2025 This week, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russia’s demand that Ukraine renounce its right to sovereignty and territorial integrity as a precondition to start peace talks. —

Marc Santora, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 The Vatican renounced the Doctrine, but it was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court as recently as 2005. —

Cy Neff, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024 Putin has previously demanded that Ukraine renounce its bid to join NATO and recognize Russia’s gains. —

Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for renounce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce

Verb

The Chiefs wouldn’t relinquish the lead the rest of the game.

— Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
And, to access the program, a parent must relinquish custody of his or her child to the state — a requirement many parents find inhumane.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025