renunciation

noun
re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion | \ ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce renunciation (audio) \

Definition of renunciation

: the act or practice of renouncing : repudiation specifically : ascetic self-denial

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Other Words from renunciation

renunciative \ ri-​ˈnən(t)-​sē-​ˌā-​tiv How to pronounce renunciative (audio) \ adjective
renunciatory \ ri-​ˈnən(t)-​sē-​ə-​ˌtȯr-​ē How to pronounce renunciatory (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for renunciation

Synonyms

abnegation, renouncement, repudiation, self-denial

Antonyms

indulgence, self-indulgence

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Examples of renunciation in a Sentence

the king's renunciation of the throne Their vows include renunciation of all wealth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Information on what’s happening in the camps is sparse, but reports of prison-like conditions, forced pledges to the Chinese Communist Party, and renunciation of Islam have emerged. Mike Murphy, Quartz, "Apple implies iPhones were hacked to spy on China’s Uyghur Muslims," 6 Sep. 2019 The Constitution calls for the renunciation of war, and Mr. Abe has long stated his desire to change it to allow Japan to strengthen its military. Motoko Rich, New York Times, "Shinzo Abe Declares Victory in Japan Election but Without Mandate to Revise Constitution," 21 July 2019 This is detox of a sort, but there's little renunciation. Daisy Finer, Condé Nast Traveler, "Biomarkers, Sweat Lodges, and Shamans: Today's Wellness Retreats Go Far Beyond a Detox," 26 Aug. 2019 To some Jews, the president’s attacks on the congresswomen are a fierce renunciation of anti-Semitism and a defense of Israel. Lisa Lerer, BostonGlobe.com, "Israel’s strong embrace of Trump is hammering wedge among US Jews," 17 Aug. 2019 Still, Judd’s outlook wasn’t all about renunciation. Eric Gibson, WSJ, "‘Donald Judd: Specific Furniture’ Review: Designs With Purpose," 23 July 2018 But there’s also an open-ended spiritual quest to Mr. Atkins’s sojourns, which follow closely in the footsteps of religious and literary forerunners who were lured by the rewards of extreme renunciation. Sam Sacks, WSJ, "‘The Immeasurable World’ Review: Solitude in the Sand," 26 July 2018 Velu removed her gold earrings — an act of quiet renunciation in Tamil culture — and sent her home. Longreads, "A Chance to Rewrite History: The Women Fighters of the Tamil Tigers," 22 May 2018 Still Here’ The punch-drunk frustration here comes first as an ambiguous lament, then a clear renunciation of — who else — the president. New York Times, "The Playlist: Willie Nelson Is Still Standing, and 10 More New Songs," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'renunciation.' 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 renunciation

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for renunciation

Middle English renunciacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin renuntiation-, renuntiatio, from renuntiare to renounce

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More Definitions for renunciation

renunciation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of renunciation

: the act of renouncing something or someone

renunciation

noun
re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion | \ ri-ˌnən-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce renunciation (audio) \

Legal Definition of renunciation

: the act or practice of renouncing specifically : the act of refusing to continue to acknowledge, recognize, or be bound by a contract or obligation : repudiation

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