What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abdicate
Example
The king was forced to abdicate the throne due to his poor health. [abdicate: verb]
Example
After years of service, the CEO decided to abdicate his position and retire. [abdicate: verb]
Example
He had to abdicate his claim to the inheritance after discovering he was not the rightful heir. [abdicate: verb]
renounce
Example
She decided to renounce her former political party and join a new one. [renounce: verb]
Example
The prince renounced his claim to the throne in favor of his younger brother. [renounced: past tense]
Example
After years of addiction, he finally decided to renounce drugs and seek help. [renounce: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Renounce is more commonly used than abdicate in everyday language. Renounce is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while abdicate is less common and typically used in specific situations, such as politics or monarchy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abdicate and renounce?
Abdicate is more formal than renounce. It is often used in official or legal contexts and has a more historical or regal connotation, while renounce can be used in both formal and informal settings and has a broader, more everyday usage.
