Definition of renouncenext

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 But no evidence suggests that Gu has renounced her American citizenship. Sean Gregory, Time, 22 Jan. 2026 The story about a wave of California hippies who had renounced drugs and were getting high on Christ was five years old, but, like most trends that begin on the coasts and slowly work their way to the Midwest, the Jesus Revolution had finally come to Mason City, Iowa. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 Democratic candidate for governor Helena Foulkes is calling on her 2026 election rivals to renounce donations from lobbyists this year, just as the traditional political fundraising season kicks into high gear. Patrick Anderson, The Providence Journal, 12 Jan. 2026 Margaret’s father succeeded him as King George VI, and her mother Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, never forgave the duke for renouncing his duty to his country. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce
Verb
  • His father refused to relinquish his grudge, as Dreher saw it, and his mother always went along with her husband.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Notable sellers include Bruce Springsteen, who in 2021 made a deal with Sony Music Entertainment to relinquish his master recordings and songs for $500 million.
    Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • However, that petition was later withdrawn in 2025, the complaint said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • China has invested little in Russia’s economy, and nowhere near the amount that the West withdrew after Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
    Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While Streeting was on-message with the rest of the Cabinet in supporting Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for the prime minister to resign, the secretary reportedly spoke with Sarwar in the days leading up to the call for Starmer to resign.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Laporta resigned from his role on Monday morning — at least temporarily.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The strongback support has retracted for launch.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • AppLovin last month demanded that CapitalWatch, a short seller, retract its 35-page report.
    Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Healey has clearly decided to abdicate her responsibility to protect taxpayer money.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
  • One such royal family member was Grand Duke Emeritus Henri of Luxembourg, who abdicated in favor of his son last October.
    Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Aljorna and Sosa-Celis denied assaulting the officer.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Decades later, Faraci cooperated with Modrowski’s lawyer during the post-conviction proceedings and submitted two affidavits in 2019 and 2011 denying Modrowski was involved, court records show.
    Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renounce. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on renounce

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