1
as in to deny
to declare not to be true
he steadfastly disowned that he was having an affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to refuse
to refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as one's responsibility
the dictatorial father angrily disowned his rebellious son
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disown
Maximum Overdrive, the only movie that King directed, is eligible… but King himself joined the chorus of harsh critics, disowning it and never again returning to the director’s chair .
—
James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Even some people who have repeatedly criticized the verification system were surprised that the Trump administration seemed to disown it.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to rage at those calling for the Epstein evidence, even going so far as to disown members of his MAGA faithful.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025
No scene is quicker to disown an act for its commercial success, and Garris (along with guitarists Isaac Hale and Nicko Calderon, bassist Kevin Otten and drummer Kevin Kaine) is fully aware of the line the band walks.
—Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for disown
James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Even some people who have repeatedly criticized the verification system were surprised that the Trump administration seemed to disown it.
—Andy Rose, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to rage at those calling for the Epstein evidence, even going so far as to disown members of his MAGA faithful.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025
No scene is quicker to disown an act for its commercial success, and Garris (along with guitarists Isaac Hale and Nicko Calderon, bassist Kevin Otten and drummer Kevin Kaine) is fully aware of the line the band walks.
—Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for disown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disown
Verb
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Despite vocal support from Aspire Capitol Heights families and a concerted effort from school leaders to prove that the school’s fiscal and academic issues could be solved, the board voted 4-1 to deny the school’s charter renewal.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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My mother has been denied access to medical care, the right to speak, and every basic human freedom.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The world’s diplomats must refuse to seat or recognise Min Aung Hlaing or his representatives at any summit or ministerial meeting.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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Some of the girls were hired as servants in the homes of higher-status Burghers, though Rustin refused on principle to consider it.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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And the British nations, as ever, remained aloof, England rejecting a late offer to step in for Austria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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Democrats are pushing to extend soon-to-expire health care tax credits and reverse earlier Medicaid cuts, but Republicans have rejected those proposals.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Spotify also refuted that the program only helps major label artists, contending that the feature is popular among both major and independent acts.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
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Rosen refuted Palomares’ claim, saying the tugboat captain was reckless and should have been on the lookout for recreational boaters who frequent those waters.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disown. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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