abnegation

noun

ab·​ne·​ga·​tion ˌab-ni-ˈgā-shən 

formal

: denial

especially : self-denial

Monks practice abnegation of the material aspects of human life.

Synonyms of abnegation

• refusal
• renunciation
• denial
• renouncement

Examples of abnegation in a Sentence

the couple's sudden abnegation of life in the fast lane for work as missionaries stunned everyone

Recent Examples on the Web

Not one for false abnegation of words distorted by smears, Rushdie doubles down on his right to freedom of expression, defending his dissent from religious orthodoxy. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026

That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater. —Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

The feats, the ecstasies, the prostrations and abnegations. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025

Is that an abnegation of interviewer responsibility? —David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abnegacioun, borrowed from Late Latin abnegātiōn-, abnegātiō, from Latin abnegāre "to refute, decline, deny" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abnegate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing abnegation

• self-abnegation

Rhymes for abnegation

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