Renounce — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s/ re·nounce

Meaning & Definition of Renounce

Renounce (verb)

  1. to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration
  2. to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further, repudiate
  3. to make a renunciation

Renounce (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender
    related: abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive, forsake, give up, hand over, yield, abandon, desert, quit, vacate
    near: appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

  2. 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"

    similar: abjure, abnegate, forswear, recant, renege, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw
    related: contradict, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, abandon, bolt, forsake, give up, relinquish, spurn, surrender, controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute, back down, back off, backtrack, disallow, recall, revoke
    opposite: adhere (to)
    near: acknowledge, admit, affirm, assert, avow, claim, contend, declare, maintain, proclaim, profess, state, vouch, vow, back, confirm, defend, endorse, espouse, support, uphold, accept, adopt, embrace

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Renounce

The most common words with a similar meaning to Renounce:

abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender, abjure, forswear, recant, renege, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Renounce

Words with the opposite meaning of Renounce:

adhere (to)

Related Words for Renounce

demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive, forsake, give up, hand over, yield, abandon, desert, quit, vacate, contradict, gainsay, negate, negative, bolt, spurn, controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute, back down, back off, backtrack, disallow

Near Antonyms of Renounce

appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure, acknowledge, admit, affirm, assert, avow, contend, declare, maintain, proclaim, profess, state, vouch, vow, back, confirm, endorse

Word Forms of Renounce

Inflections: renounced, renouncing

Derived words: renouncement (noun), renouncer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Renounce

Middle English, from Anglo-French renuncer, from Latin renuntiare, from re- + nuntiare to report, from nuntius messenger

First known use: 14th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Renounce

What does "Renounce" mean?

"Renounce" means to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration. As a verb, it is defined as: to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Renounce"?

Other words for "Renounce" include abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, resign, step aside (from), step down (from) and surrender. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Renounce" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Renounce"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Renounce". Common alternatives include abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender, abjure and forswear.

What is the opposite of "Renounce"?

Antonyms of "Renounce" include adhere (to). Near antonyms include appropriate, arrogate, assume and claim.

How do you use "Renounce" in a sentence?

Examples of "Renounce" in a sentence: "in wake of the corruption scandal, the congressman was forced to renounce his seat in the House"; "after another failed romance he vowed that he was renouncing the world and becoming a monk".

Is "Renounce" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Renounce" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Renounce"?

"Renounce" is pronounced /ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s/ and divided into syllables as re·nounce.

What is the origin of the word "Renounce"?

"Renounce" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French renuncer, from Latin renuntiare, from re- + nuntiare to report, from nuntius messenger. First known use: 14th centuryt.