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

Oddly, the move comes not as a renunciation but as a new adventure. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025

Moscow has persisted on a set of maximalist conditions to cease the devastating war in Ukraine, including the retainment of occupied territories, Kyiv's renunciation of its ambitions to join the NATO alliance and fresh elections in the invaded country. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025

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

Saxon through acquisition; Piper through renunciation. —January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 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