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 The program calls for the recognition of Israel and renouncing armed struggle, effectively sidelining Hamas and other factions. Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Philip Fong | Afp | Getty Images Japan renounced war under Article 9 of its post-World War II pacifist constitution. Sam Meredith,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026 The caveat is that Miami must renounce rights to Powell and Fontecchio to have that extent of flexibility. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The race’s queen has decided to renounce her throne … probably. Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce
Verb
  • There are outs not to be relinquished on the bases.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 15 May 2026
  • Companies that violate the law could be forced to relinquish their earnings to a federal youth sports fund, from which the money would be used to reduce participation costs for families, provide scholarships and keep local sporting venues free for community use.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • They were given sixty days to cease operations and withdraw all international staff.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Inevitably, Kreutzer’s film was tarnished by association and even withdrawn from cinemas.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • In other Western countries, many feel resigned to a lifetime of renting with little hope of following their parents and grandparents’ footsteps up the property ladder.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • Zilis, who by that point had children with Musk, resigned from the OpenAI board.
    Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the original research study that supported the movement was retracted.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
  • The report was retracted in a separate tweet, but that didn’t stop the internet, which never sleeps.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Too many people have abdicated their collective responsibility.
    KEN BURNS, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
  • Congress has abdicated its power to an oligarchy of billionaires.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The medical providers Cole and Mosley accused denied wrongdoing.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • Weinstein’s attorneys have denied that encounter ever took place, and have argued that the trial judge improperly withheld evidence that would have bolstered his alibi.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Renounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renounce. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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