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

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

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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

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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 What follows are dozens of examples of how those whose names are familiar (or aren’t) and legendary (or infamous) for their actions while representing the state have been embraced (or renounced) by the rest of the country and beyond. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Japan has recently taken steps to expand its defense posture, including lifting its ban on lethal arms exports and mulling changes to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war and the maintenance of armed forces. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 May 2026 Jafarzadeh highlighted Khabiri as a symbol of the regime’s repression of athletes, as Khabiri was a rising soccer star who became captain of Iran’s national team before being arrested and asked to appear on television to renounce his political beliefs. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 If the Lakers renounce all their free agents except for Reaves, hacking their books with machete, the team would have Dončić, Jared Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James (partial guarantee) and Adou Theiro under contract. — Dan Woike, New York Times, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for renounce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce

Verb

Willow Nightingale relinquished the championship in May due to a shoulder injury that also forced her out of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, leading AEW to create this match to crown a new champion.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
But for Iran, reopening the strait does not mean relinquishing control of it.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Definition of relinquish

Verb

Greg Chavarria resigned in 2024, then Susan Grant served almost a year as acting city manager.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Scotland Coach Steve Clarke Resigns Steve Clarke has resigned as head coach after leading Scotland to its first men’s World Cup in 28 years.

— Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of resign

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renews

renounce

renounced

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“Renounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renounce. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of renounce

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