Definition of repudiatenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word repudiate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of repudiate are decline, refuse, reject, and spurn. While all these words mean "to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering," repudiate implies a casting off or disowning as untrue, unauthorized, or unworthy of acceptance.

teenagers who repudiate the values of their parents

When can decline be used instead of repudiate?

The words decline and repudiate can be used in similar contexts, but decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations.

declined his party's nomination

When is it sensible to use refuse instead of repudiate?

While in some cases nearly identical to repudiate, refuse suggests more positiveness or ungraciousness and often implies the denial of something asked for.

refused to lend them the money

Where would reject be a reasonable alternative to repudiate?

The words reject and repudiate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reject implies a peremptory refusal by sending away or discarding.

rejected the manuscript as unpublishable

When is spurn a more appropriate choice than repudiate?

In some situations, the words spurn and repudiate are roughly equivalent. However, spurn stresses contempt or disdain in rejection or repudiation.

spurned his overtures of friendship

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 repudiate To exclude the Ute Indian Tribe from access and recognition where those rights and practices endure compounds historical harm and repudiates the very text of the Agreement the State purports to respect. Shaun Chapoose, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified 11 years after Dred Scott, was drafted to repudiate that decision and to prevent the creation of a hereditary class of noncitizens within the United States. Jeff Ballou, ABC News, 18 May 2026 Fujimori sought to reassure voters by emphasizing democratic commitments and acknowledging abuses committed under her father’s government, though without fully repudiating his legacy. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026 Cracks in church-state wall In his latest I-am-the-law crusade, Uthmeier is repudiating one of the most fundamental aspects of our democracy, the separation of church and state. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repudiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repudiate
Verb
  • His opponent claimed that created a conflict of interest, which Weiser denied.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The two housekeepers denied having such a conversation with Brown, noting language differences would have made such a discussion unlikely.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Hamas’ statement made no mention of disarmament, one of the key requirements under the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which the group has so far refused.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • To conceal the theft from his investors, Correia refused to disclose his company’s financial records and gave false positive updates on SnoOwl’s status.
    Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Critics see it as another attempt to breathe life into claims that courts, investigators and election officials have repeatedly rejected — and another corrosive attempt to undermine faith in the state’s vote.
    Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Four fisher people from Indonesia’s Pari Island filed a legal complaint in 2023 against the Swiss construction company Holcim, which refutes their assertion that its climate change-causing emissions threaten their homes and livelihoods.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Wainger also refuted the assertion that Pennel had expected to be arrested.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • About 71 percent of the SPAC’s cash pool stayed in the merger rather than being withdrawn by investors.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • This means they can be revised or withdrawn without legislation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • As soon as the error was realized, the story was retracted and removed from NPR’s website and an on-air correction was broadcast.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • At least one publication—Vox—followed NPR’s reporting and also had to retract a story.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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