renounce

verb

re·nounce | \ ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s

renounced; renouncing

Definition of renounce

transitive verb

1 : to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration renounce his errors

2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : repudiate renounce the authority of the church

intransitive verb

1 : to make a renunciation

2 : to fail to follow suit in a card game

Other Words from renounce Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about renounce

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Choose the Right Synonym for renounce

abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. abdicated the throne renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. resigned from the board

abjure, renounce, forswear, recant, retract mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath. abjured the errors of his former faith renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown. renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal. I cannot forswear my principles recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught. if they recant they will be spared retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation. the newspaper had to retract the story

Examples of renounce in a Sentence

Many of his former supporters have renounced him. He renounced his old way of life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Former detainees who fled overseas say that while they were held captive, they were ordered to renounce their faith and pledge loyalty to the ruling Communist Party through indoctrination tactics reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution. — Yanan Wang, The Seattle Times, "Uighurs to China: Post a video of my missing relatives, too," 12 Feb. 2019 Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, claims her family has threatened to kill her for renouncing Islam. — Jewel Wicker, Teen Vogue, "Saudi Teen Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun May Get Asylum From Australia After Fleeing Her Family's Alleged Mistreatment," 8 Jan. 2019 Shanghai Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin was whisked away into house arrest shortly after renouncing his membership in the association. — Christopher Bodeen, Fox News, "Vatican agreement with China draws concerns amid crackdown," 28 Sep. 2018 A year later, a more insistent letter and another bank closing her accounts drove her to the U.S. consulate, which had no record of her renouncing her citizenship. — Bloomberg.com, "‘Accidental Americans’ in France Press Macron for IRS Relief," 16 Apr. 2018 Ala and her brother closed that lurid chapter of their lives in a civil case settlement: Claus renounced all claims to his wife’s fortune and left the country. — Carl Swanson, Town & Country, "How Sunny Von Bulow's Daughter Ala Isham Found Her Voice," 14 Mar. 2019 The possibility, however remote, that a populist Italian government would renounce the euro and revive the lira currency has unnerved many bankers and investors. — New York Times, "Why Italy’s Political Turmoil Is Causing Financial Angst Elsewhere," 29 May 2018 Aside from on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the strict fasting laws of Roman Catholics were renounced during World War II. — Woman's Day Staff, Woman's Day, "When Is Lent? Here's Everything You Need to Know," 11 Jan. 2019 Basically, until James signs somewhere else or Cleveland renounces his rights, the Cavs can offer LeBron a full five-year max deal utilizing his Bird Rights. — Rohan Nadkarni, SI.com, "Examining the Ripple Effects of LeBron James Forgoing Player Option," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'renounce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.