Synonyms of renounce

renounce

verb

ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

1

as in to relinquish

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

in wake of the corruption scandal, the congressman was forced to renounce his seat in the House

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquish
• resign
• abdicate
• cede
• deny
• surrender
• waive
• abnegate
• step down (from)
• abjure
• disavow
• vacate
• disown
• step aside (from)
• abandon
• forsake
• disclaim
• demit
• yield
• give up
• hand over
• desert
• quit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• claim
• assume
• appropriate
• seize
• protect
• confiscate
• defend
• arrogate
• take over
• secure
• usurp
• safeguard
• guard
• wrest

2

as in to withdraw

to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)

after another failed romance he vowed that he was renouncing the world and becoming a monk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• retract
• deny
• contradict
• relinquish
• abandon
• forswear
• refute
• abjure
• recant
• repeal
• repudiate
• foreswear
• renege
• take back
• abnegate
• forsake
• disavow
• unsay
• disown
• spurn
• recall
• disclaim
• revoke
• gainsay
• surrender
• negate
• disprove
• controvert
• disagree (with)
• rebut
• dispute
• negative
• disallow
• give up
• back down
• backtrack
• back off
• bolt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• declare
• acknowledge
• claim
• assert
• admit
• affirm
• contend
• adhere (to)
• proclaim
• state
• defend
• profess
• support
• accept
• confirm
• endorse
• adopt
• uphold
• vow
• embrace
• avow
• back
• vouch
• indorse
• espouse

Synonym Chooser

How is the word renounce distinct from other similar verbs?

The words abdicate and resign are common synonyms of renounce. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When could abdicate be used to replace renounce?

Although the words abdicate and renounce have much in common, abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

When is it sensible to use resign instead of renounce?

While in some cases nearly identical to renounce, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of renounce

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. —Karen Lema, Reuters, 28 Aug. 2025

His refusal to renounce his unwavering support for North Korea condemned Ahn to more than four decades behind bars in the South. —Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025

All four insist that a hypothetical Palestinian state must be disarmed, must exclude Hamas from any role in governance, must renounce terrorism and incitement, and must accept Israel’s right to exist. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025

As conditions for a ceasefire and the start of talks, Putin has demanded Ukraine withdraw its forces from four regions that Russia has claimed as its own but does not fully control, and formally renounce plans to join NATO. —Catarina Demony, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025