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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of renounce Comedian Bill Maher suggests New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani should renounce his Ugandan dual citizenship over the country’s record on LGBTQ+ rights, and slams the democratic candidate for his recent meeting with a New York Imam, also criticized for his stance on gay rights. The Hill, 27 Oct. 2025 Tallis continued to have a successful career after the Reformation, despite never renouncing his Catholic faith. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 He is forced to renounce it by Soviet authorities. Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 Hamas members who renounce violence will be granted amnesty or safe passage, while those who continue resistance will be excluded from Gaza’s future governance. Morgan Phillips, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renounce
Verb
  • Though Judge and Simon were legally granted equal custody of their three children upon their split, Judge relinquished custody of Sidney to Simon after their daughter opted to live with him full time.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • According to the Associated Press, US Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell released Ortiz on a $500,000 bond, mandated that the 26-year-old relinquish his passport, and restricted his travel to the local area, among other stipulations.
    David Close, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The peace declaration included a commitment to withdraw heavy weapons from the border, de-mining efforts, and to de-escalate tensions that erupted into the brief but deadly border conflict.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • In addition, he was allegedly caught on camera by bank security withdrawing approximately $50,000 in cash from a bank on June 27, 2025.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The International Energy Agency turned out to be less resigned to the things that exist and capped this class of emissions at 5 per cent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Three other special elections were held to fill vacancies left by lawmakers resigning before their terms ended, with two of those advancing to runoffs as no candidate received more than 50 percent.
    Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • De Blasio responded with shock, demanding The Times retract the story.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The Democrat has since faced calls from Republicans to drop out of the state attorney general race, though many Democrats and his corporate donors have not retracted their support.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if that’s true, what would prohibit Congress from just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce, for that matter, declare war, to the president.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • While initially very popular among his people, by 2013, multiple scandals — including romantic affairs, financial misappropriation and an infamous elephant hunting trip to Africa — led the King to abdicate and pass the throne to his youngest child and only son, King Felipe.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • My mother has been denied access to medical care, the right to speak, and every basic human freedom.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renounce. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on renounce

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