Renounce
mediumNeutral toneri-NOWNS
verb
Definition
to formally give up or reject a claim, right, or belief
Memory hook
RE-NOUNCE: think of an actor who 're-announces' onstage that he quits the part forever, dramatically tossing his crown into the crowd.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The deposed king was forced to renounce all rights to the throne.”
“After the scandal, she chose to renounce her membership in the once-prestigious society.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The deposed king was forced to ______ all rights to the throne.”
Show answer
renounce
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Renounce is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "relinquish" or "forsake" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "embrace".
Related GRE Words
repudiate
to reject or disown as invalid or unauthorized
fractious
Irritable, quarrelsome, or prone to conflict
conciliatory
intended to placate or win goodwill; appeasing
propitiate
to appease or win the goodwill of
antipathy
a deep, settled feeling of dislike or aversion
appease
To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands
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