1 renounce | Definition of renounce
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renounce

verb
re·​nounce | \ ri-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce renounce (audio) \
renounced; renouncing

Definition of renounce

transitive verb

1 : to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration renounce his errors
2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further : repudiate renounce the authority of the church

intransitive verb

1 : to make a renunciation
2 : to fail to follow suit in a card game
Other Words from renounce Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about renounce

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Other Words from renounce

renouncement \ ri-​ˈnau̇n(t)s-​mÉ™nt How to pronounce renouncement (audio) \ noun
renouncer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for renounce

abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. abdicated the throne renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. resigned from the board

abjure, renounce, forswear, recant, retract mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. abjure implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath. abjured the errors of his former faith renounce may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown. renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting forswear may add an implication of perjury or betrayal. I cannot forswear my principles recant stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught. if they recant they will be spared retract applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation. the newspaper had to retract the story

Examples of renounce in a Sentence

Many of his former supporters have renounced him. He renounced his old way of life.

Recent Examples on the Web

 So the Taliban had never really renounced Al Qaeda. — CBS News, "Transcript: Michael Vickers talks with Michael Morell on "Intelligence Matters"," 28 Aug. 2019 The deal has since been renounced by President Donald Trump. — Patrick Smith, NBC News, "Iranian official regrets nuclear deal: Read the Morning Briefing," 20 Aug. 2019 The Celtics can renounce their offer to Rozier at any time. — Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, "Kemba Walker expected to sign four-year max salary contract with Celtics," 29 June 2019 Trump wisely renounced Obama’s non-binding nuclear deal with the mullahs, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "For Regime Change in Iran," 29 June 2019 Immediately, Margo renounced those claims as inaccurate. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, "El Paso Mayor says Trump called him a ‘RINO’ following mass shooting," 16 Aug. 2019 On the insurance question, Biden’s rivals were essentially renouncing Obamacare, and Harris during the debate also explicitly criticized the former president’s policy of deporting immigrants. — Michael Steinberger, New York Times, "Joe Biden Wants to Take America Back to a Time Before Trump," 23 July 2019 The downside to that plan, though, was likely renouncing a trade exception of approximately $10 million gained in the Brogdon trade in order to clear enough room to sign Hill. — Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks waive Jon Leuer to create cap space; George Hill signing becomes official," 9 July 2019 Julius Randle, selected seventh in 2014, saw the Lakers renounce his rights late in free agency last season. — Tania Ganguli, latimes.com, "Lakers rework Anthony Davis trade to allow for another max contract," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'renounce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of renounce

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for renounce

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

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More Definitions for renounce

renounce

verb
How to pronounce renounce (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of renounce

: to say especially in a formal or official way that you will no longer have or accept (something) : to formally give up (something)
: to say in a formal or definite way that you refuse to follow, obey, or support (someone or something) any longer

See the full definition for renounce in the English Language Learners Dictionary

renounce

verb
re·​nounce | \ ri-ˈnau̇ns How to pronounce renounce (audio) \
renounced; renouncing

Kids Definition of renounce

1 : to give up, abandon, or resign usually by a public declaration The queen renounced the throne.
2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any longer They renounced the goals of the organization.

renounce

verb
re·​nounce | \ ri-ˈnau̇ns How to pronounce renounce (audio) \
renounced; renouncing

Legal Definition of renounce

transitive verb

1 : to announce one's abandonment or giving up of a right to or interest in : disclaim sense 1 renounce an inheritance
2 : to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further

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