renunciation

noun

re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce renunciation (audio)
: the act or practice of renouncing : repudiation
specifically : ascetic self-denial
renunciative adjective
renunciatory adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The key to making neutrality work for Ukraine is shaping it in a way that ensures that renunciation of NATO membership does not come at the expense of the country’s self-defense or its prospects for an economic and political future in the West. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2022 Saxon through acquisition; Piper through renunciation. January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025 The conclave takes place only in the event of the pope's death or renunciation for personal reasons. Terry Collins, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 Erdoğan may need Kurdish support to run again Some analysts have said public suggestions by Erdoğan's political allies that Ocalan, the 75-year-old PKK leader, could be released in return for a renunciation of violence, form part of an effort to woo Kurdish voters. Willem Marx, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renunciation

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of renunciation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Renunciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renunciation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

renunciation

noun
re·​nun·​ci·​a·​tion ri-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce renunciation (audio)
: the act or practice of renouncing

Legal Definition

renunciation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on renunciation

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