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 & Antonyms 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

With apartheid crumbling, its white rulers were eager to renounce illicit weapons. — The Economist, "North Korea presents nuclear disarmament’s biggest challenge yet," 5 July 2018 The program, which has since been renounced by the C.I.A., included techniques like waterboarding, sleep deprivation, confinements in boxes and other interrogation techniques. — New York Times, "Gina Haspel Offered to Withdraw C.I.A. Nomination Amid Concerns Over Role in Torture Program," 6 May 2018 In the Philippines, the church has sheltered fugitives since the Spanish colonial era, including the country’s first saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, who was executed by the Japanese in the 17th century for refusing to renounce his faith. — Jake Maxwell Watts, WSJ, "Catholic Church Opens Sanctuaries to the Hunted in Philippines Drug War," 5 July 2018 In their only heart-to-heart as a couple, Nick tries to convince Eden to renounce her actions. — refinery29.com, "The Handmaid's Tale Recap Season 2, Episode 12: Gilead's Romeo & Juliet," 4 July 2018 Expect them to renounce their rights to center Alex Len and point guard Elfrid Payton, making them both free agents. — Scott Bordow, azcentral, "Suns to target point guard, stretch four in free agency," 23 June 2018 The Sixers would have to renounce the rights to JJ Redick, Amir Johnson, Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova. — Keith Pompey, Philly.com, "Brett Brown boldly says the Sixers need a high-level free agent to compete for an NBA title," 11 May 2018 In line to be the next emir of Qatar, Jassim had renounced the throne to focus on his true passion, soccer. — Laurent Dubois, The Atlantic, "How Not to Scout for Soccer Talent," 14 June 2018 Then the state party endorsed Jessica Morse in February, forcing Gutowsky to choose between resigning her post leading the local party organization or renouncing her support for another Democrat, MIT Professor Regina Bateson. — Emily Cadei, sacbee, "Democrats push for unity in California House races after bruising primary," 13 July 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.