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 Eventually, however, Lowell’s ideas were discredited—Schiaparelli, once an ally, renounced them—and the world moved on. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Karen Lema, Reuters, 28 Aug. 2025 His refusal to renounce his unwavering support for North Korea condemned Ahn to more than four decades behind bars in the South. Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 All four insist that a hypothetical Palestinian state must be disarmed, must exclude Hamas from any role in governance, must renounce terrorism and incitement, and must accept Israel’s right to exist. David Frum, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce
Verb
  • Liberation lies in relinquishing projection, in surrendering the desire for children to mirror our priorities and accomplishments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
  • For decades after that, most parents who relinquished infants for adoption did not expect to see or hear from those children again.
    Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ryan Yates, who had been a destructive figure in midfield, was subsequently withdrawn amid three attacking changes, which saw Callum Hudson-Odoi, Omari Hutchinson and Igor Jesus introduced, giving Forest more threat, but also allowing Newcastle more openings.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • After President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection campaign yesterday, the endorsements have been rolling in for Vice President Kamala Harris to be selected as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That figure, already the highest on record, is expected to be eclipsed in 2025 as the focus on CEO accountability intensifies, with 25 CEOs resigning year to date after coming under activist pressure, with 20% of the departures occurring at S&P 500 companies.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Fix needed, fast If Lecornu’s efforts over the next few hours fail, Macron will be faced with the choice of appointing a new PM, dissolving parliament and calling fresh parliamentary elections, or resigning.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The prominent medical publisher BMJ Group has retracted a study that found apple cider vinegar could help people achieve dramatic weight loss.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Its active rear wing, for example, remains fully retracted when on a straightaway, reducing drag and maximizing acceleration.
    Stephen Treffinger, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Philippe's grandfather, King Leopold III, also abdicated in 1951 amid a political crisis in an effort to safeguard the monarchy.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
    Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans argue Democrats want to fund health care for immigrants in the country illegally, a claim Democrats deny.
    Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Once there, she was assigned a bare mattress on the floor and denied religious accommodations, including Halal meals, her lawyers said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renounce. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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