renunciation

noun

re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən 

: the act or practice of renouncing : repudiation

specifically : ascetic self-denial

renunciative

ri-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

renunciatory

ri-ˈnən(t)-sē-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• refusal
• renouncement
• denial
• abnegation

Examples of renunciation in a Sentence

the king's renunciation of the throne

Their vows include renunciation of all wealth.

Recent Examples on the Web

When the late Pope Francis was elected, a dozen years ago, and famously declined the pomp and perquisites typically associated with the office, among his renunciations was the use of the papal summer residence—a seventeenth-century palazzo in Castel Gandolfo, about fifteen miles south of Rome. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 28 July 2025

This is largely due to the renunciation of complete sovereignty and the sharing of resources that the EU has encouraged for almost 60 years now. —Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2016

Dual citizenship policies vary among countries, with some countries mandating renunciation of existing citizenship. —Jean Francois Harvey, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

But Kim’s renunciation of reunification and deepening ties with Russia limit expectations for diplomacy. —Ian Bremmer, Time, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English renunciacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin renuntiation-, renuntiatio, from renuntiare to renounce

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renunciation

• self-renunciation

Rhymes for renunciation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

renunciation

noun

re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən 

: the act or practice of renouncing

Legal Definition

renunciation

noun

re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion ri-ˌnən-sē-ˈā-shən 

: the act or practice of renouncing

specifically : the act of refusing to continue to acknowledge, recognize, or be bound by a contract or obligation : repudiation