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 of renunciation

• 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

Then, over the following years, came sustainability and strict reuse and ascetic renunciation, and today, finally, its photo series and articles advocated for a mild, slightly quirky anticapitalist metaphysics. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026

Indeed, both the United States and Canada permit voluntary renunciation. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Carney is a moralist, a filmmaker of fidelity—and of renunciation, depicting the romantic near-misses and what-ifs that his characters leave behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026

This was the start of my genuine renunciation. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

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

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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