Definitions

renounce

[ri-nouns] / rɪˈnaʊns /

VERB

abandon, reject

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deny disavow discard disown eschew forgo forsake forswear give up quit recant relinquish repudiate spurn waive

STRONG

abdicate abjure abnegate arrogate decline defect desert disclaim dump rat resign tergiversate turn

WEAK

abstain from apostacize cast off demit divorce oneself from drop out leave flat leave off opt out sell out swear off take the pledge tergiverse throw off throw over toss over walk out on wash hands of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acknowledge admit agree allow approve claim continue embrace keep revert

STRONG

accept hold maintain

WEAK

condone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It would appear, in a world where someone can divorce and remarry, switch political allegiance or renounce a religious faith, ending a relationship with a football club is largely unheard of.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

It will refuse to renounce the right to enrich uranium, as it did before, having proven it can survive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

All were driven to renounce the material world and liberate themselves from desires by going “forth to homelessness,” as several poems put it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

MPC pledged to "permanently renounce the use of arms" and "rejoin the political agreement for peace and reconciliation" that it signed in 2019 with 13 other armed groups, Wanzet said.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

The greatest jolt came when Dr. Moroka tendered a humiliating plea in mitigation to Judge Rumpff and took the witness stand to renounce the very principles on which the ANC had been founded.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing renounce

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Ender's Game

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Little Women

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!