1
as in to relinquish
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
abnegated all claims to the deceased lord's domain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to renounce
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)
felt that if the Congress adopted these security measures, it would be abnegating the nation's fundamental commitment to individual rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abnegate
Her sins are the sins of loving too much and in too self-abnegating a fashion.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023
Abnegating this responsibility is going against the will of the people and we were voted in to protect the interests of the people.
—Jan Engoren, Sun-Sentinel.com, 6 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abnegate
Verb
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The New York congresswoman had relinquished her No. 4 leadership slot as House Republican Conference Chair since she had been named Trump’s UN pick, and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) was elected in her place.—
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Because these behavioral issues are not dissected, addressed or asked about during vet visits, many people relinquish their dogs to animal shelters.—
Verb
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Some of these firms have responded by agreeing to renounce diversity outreach efforts and commit tens of millions of dollars in pro bono work to defend Trump's priorities in future litigation.—
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The Russian president has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining NATO military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.—
Verb
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However, Congress has abdicated much of this responsibility over time, either through legislation or neglect; both parties and all branches are guilty.—
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Rarely have politicians who call themselves leaders abdicated their responsibility more profoundly.—
Verb
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Outreach workers who live among farmworkers are withdrawing a little, too.—
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The latter took effect on Wednesday, as did the 104 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, which were raised to this level after Beijing missed the deadline to withdraw its 34 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods.—
Verb
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Keesee resigned from his position at the church in August.—
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Sassoon, who replaced U.S. Attorney Damien Williams in the Southern District of New York, declined to drop the case against Adams and resigned.—
Verb
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Crayola Clicks Retractable Tip Markers These best-selling markers feature a cone tip that allows for both fine lines and broad strokes, and they can be retracted with a simple click, so there’s no need to hunt down missing caps.—
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The driver had a difficult time retracting the ramp and after several tries got it on the bus, but the bus would not start.—
Verb
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The immigration judge denied the asylum claim because the time limits to make such a claim had expired.—
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An immigration judge denied her bond request Wednesday, citing her as a flight risk and danger to the community.—
Verb
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The zoning commission’s recommendations contradicted the map 29% of the time.—
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But Francis also contradicted himself and split some very specific hairs regarding LGBTQ+ rights.—
Cite this Entry
“Abnegate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abnegate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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