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
• repeal
• contradict
• relinquish
• abandon
• forswear
• refute
• abjure
• recant
• repudiate
• renege
• take back
• abnegate
• forsake
• disavow
• unsay
• disown
• spurn
• disclaim
• recall
• revoke
• gainsay
• negate
• surrender
• 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
• support
• accept
• confirm
• endorse
• adopt
• uphold
• profess
• vow
• embrace
• avow
• back
• vouch
• 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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine officially renounce its NATO ambitions and withdraw troops from the about 10% of Donbas which Kyiv still controls. —Reuters, NBC news, 14 Dec. 2025

Little progress on disarming Hamas But none of that can happen if Hamas refuses to give up its arms and renounce control in the strip, analysts warn. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025

Manny Diaz, mayor from 2001 to 2009, went on years later to be chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, but renounced his affiliation with the party prior to his first election. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025

In my homeland of Cuba, those words sound faint against the clanging of iron doors and the quiet prayers of men and women who refuse to renounce their faith. —Oscar Biscet, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025