English Synonyms for Rejection and Renunciation Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

abandon (verb) /əˈband(ə)n/
Meaning: It can be used to describe various situations, such as deserting a place or a person, withdrawing support or resources, or relinquishing a project or a plan.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abandon?
Options: desert; retain; keep; hold onto
Answer: desert
Synonyms: desert; discard; disown; disregard; ditch; dump; forsake; jettison; jilt; relinquish; renounce; strand
Example: "She had to abandon her old car on the side of the road."

abhor (verb) /æbˈhɔr/
Meaning: When you abhor something, you feel extreme aversion, repugnance, or loathing towards it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abhor?
Options: detest; adore; love; cherish
Answer: detest
Synonyms: abominate; deplore; despise; detest; dislike; execrate; hate; loathe; repudiate; revile; scorn; shun
Example: "Musicians create, yet many abhor the silence that breeds true artistry and soul."

abominate (verb) /əˈbɒm əˌneɪt/
Meaning: It conveys a deep aversion and repugnance, often accompanied by a moral or ethical objection.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abominate?
Options: loathe; adore; love; relish
Answer: loathe
Synonyms: abhor; condemn; despise; detest; execrate; hate; loathe; recoil; reject; revile; scorn; shun
Example: "I abominate cruelty to animals; it's a cause I'm passionate about."

abstemious (adjective) /əbˈstiːmɪəs/
Meaning: A person who is abstemious is someone who is moderate in their consumption of alcohol, and is also someone who eats very little or is careful about what they eat.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstemious?
Options: temperate; indulgent; gluttonous; unrestrained
Answer: temperate
Synonyms: abstentious; abstinent; ascetic; austere; frugal; moderate; sparing; temperate
Example: "His abstemious lifestyle, free of excess, sets a healthy example."

abstinence (noun) /ˈabstɪnəns/
Meaning: The most common usage of the term is in reference to sexual behavior, where abstinence refers to refraining from sexual activity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstinence?
Options: restraint; indulgence; participation; involvement
Answer: restraint
Synonyms: abstemiousness; abstention; asceticism; avoidance; continence; forbearance; moderation; restraint; sobriety; teetotalism; temperance
Example: "Abstinence from alcohol is a personal choice for many individuals."

apostasy (noun) /əˈpɒstəsi/
Meaning: It refers to a complete and intentional departure from one's former religious convictions, and involves a conscious rejection of one's previous beliefs and practices.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apostasy?
Options: defection; faithfulness; adherence; loyalty
Answer: defection
Synonyms: defection; desertion; disaffection; disloyalty; estrangement; heresy; separatism; tergiversation
Example: "The apostasy of the prominent figure led to a decline in followers and support for their cause."

ascetic (adjective) /əˈsɛtɪk/
Meaning: It is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, where adherents may choose to live a simple and austere life in order to focus on their spiritual growth and development.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ascetic?
Options: disciplined; hedonistic; indulgent; extravagant
Answer: disciplined
Synonyms: abstemious; austere; celibate; monastic; monkish; puritanical; Spartan; stern; strict
Example: "The ascetic monk lived in solitude, detached from worldly desires."

bastardize (verb) /ˈbæs tərˌdaɪz/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the process of taking something that is pure or traditional and altering it in a way that diminishes its value or original intent.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bastardize?
Options: adulterate; purify; refine; improve
Answer: adulterate
Synonyms: cheapen; corrupt; debase; defile; degrade; demean; devalue; dilute; distort; pervert
Example: "Without proper training, inexperienced chefs can inadvertently bastardize traditional recipes."

bromide (noun) /ˈbrəʊmʌɪd/
Meaning: It can also describe a commonplace or clichéd expression that has been overused to the point of losing its impact or meaning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bromide?
Options: cliché; originality; novelty; freshness
Answer: cliché
Synonyms: banality; chestnut; cliché; hackneyed; homily; platitude; proverb; saying; trope; truism
Example: "Every speech felt the same, each line a worn bromide lacking depth and creativity."

contravene (verb) /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/
Meaning: When an action or decision contravenes a particular rule or law, it is in direct conflict with the established norm and is therefore illegal or unethical.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contravene?
Options: violate; obey; comply; adhere
Answer: violate
Synonyms: breach; break; defy; disobey; disregard; flout; fracture; infract; infringe; repudiate; transgress; trespass
Example: "The company's actions contravene the established industry standards."

decline (verb) /dɪˈklaɪn/
Meaning: It implies a deliberate decision to turn down an offer, invitation, or opportunity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to decline?
Options: refuse; accept; agree; embrace
Answer: refuse
Synonyms: deny; disapprove; dismiss; disregard; rebuff; refuse; reject; repudiate; resist; spurn; waive
Example: "She had to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment."

denounce (verb) /dɪˈnaʊns/
Meaning: When someone denounces a person, action, practice, or ideology, they are making a clear and often official statement, often with the intention of exposing wrongdoing, injustice, or unethical behavior.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to denounce?
Options: condemn; praise; endorse; support
Answer: condemn
Synonyms: attack; brand; castigate; censure; criticize; damn; declaim; rebuke; revile; scold; vilify
Example: "Human rights organizations will denounce the government's actions if they violate international law."

detach (verb) /dɪˈtætʃ/
Meaning: It involves removing or unfastening an object or part from another object or entity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to detach?
Options: separate; attach; connect; join
Answer: separate
Synonyms: disconnect; disengage; extract; isolate; release; remove; separate; sever; undo; unfasten; unhook; untie
Example: "Please detach the document from the file before submitting it."

detestable (adjective) /dɪˈtɛs tə bəl/
Meaning: It characterizes things or individuals that evoke a profound sense of repulsion, abhorrence, or disgust.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to detestable?
Options: abhorrent; admirable; lovable; delightful
Answer: abhorrent
Synonyms: abominable; contemptible; despicable; disgusting; execrable; hateful; loathsome; odious; offensive; repellent; repugnant; vile
Example: "His detestable actions towards others made him widely despised."

disavowal (noun) /ˌdɪs əˈvaʊ əl/
Meaning: It involves a deliberate disowning or distancing oneself from a particular belief, action, statement, or affiliation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disavowal?
Options: denial; affirmation; acknowledgment; avowal
Answer: denial
Synonyms: abnegation; denial; disassociation; disclaimer; disclaiming; disconfirmation; disownment; dissociation; forsaking; rejection; renunciation; repudiation
Example: "The politician's disavowal of the controversial policy came as a surprise to his supporters."

disbar (verb) /dɪsˈbɑr/
Meaning: It is a disciplinary action taken by a governing body, such as a state bar association, against an attorney who has been found guilty of professional misconduct or unethical behavior.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disbar?
Options: expel; admit; reinstate; license
Answer: expel
Synonyms: banish; debar; dismiss; disqualify; eliminate; exclude; expel; nullify; ostracize; oust; revoke; suspend
Example: "The state Supreme Court decided to disbar the attorney for repeated unethical behavior."

disbelief (noun) /ˌdɪs bɪˈlif/
Meaning: It represents a mental or emotional reaction characterized by a lack of belief or acceptance of a particular idea, statement, or event.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disbelief?
Options: skepticism; belief; trust; credulity
Answer: skepticism
Synonyms: cynicism; doubt; hesitation; incredulity; mistrust; perplexity; questioning; skepticism; suspicion; unbelief; uncertainty
Example: "She stared at the evidence in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was seeing."

discard (verb) /dɪˈskɑːd/
Meaning: This can involve physically throwing something away, such as discarding an old piece of furniture, or figuratively casting something aside, such as discarding a bad habit or an outdated idea.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to discard?
Options: dispose; keep; retain; preserve
Answer: dispose
Synonyms: dispense; dispose; ditch; drop; dump; eliminate; relinquish; remove; scrap; shed; unload
Example: "I had to discard the moldy bread I found in the kitchen."

disenchant (verb) /dɪsɪnˈtʃɑːnt/
Meaning: It implies a sense of disillusionment or disappointment, as if one's illusions or enchantments have been shattered.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disenchant?
Options: disillusion; enchant; captivate; fascinate
Answer: disillusion
Synonyms: debunk; disabuse; disillusion; divulge; enlighten; expose; uncloak; uncover; unmask
Example: "The harsh reality of adulthood can disenchant even the most idealistic dreams."

disillusion (verb) /ˌdɪsɪˈluʒən/
Meaning: It can be a painful experience because it involves losing faith or trust in someone or something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disillusion?
Options: disenchant; delude; deceive; mislead
Answer: disenchant
Synonyms: debunk; disabuse; disappoint; disenchant; dishearten; dispirit; embitter; shatter; undeceive
Example: "His words will disillusion many who had faith in his promises."

disown (verb) /dɪsˈoʊn/
Meaning: It involves a deliberate and explicit renunciation of any association or claim to ownership, support, or responsibility.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disown?
Options: reject; acknowledge; claim; embrace
Answer: reject
Synonyms: abandon; detach; disavow; discard; disclaim; dissociate; forsake; reject; relinquish; renounce; repudiate
Example: "She decides to disown her family's outdated traditions."

eschew (verb) /ɪsˈtʃuː/
Meaning: It implies a conscious and intentional choice to abstain from something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to eschew?
Options: avoid; embrace; seek; welcome
Answer: avoid
Synonyms: abandon; abjure; abstain; elude; evade; forgo; refrain; renounce; shun
Example: "He chose to eschew fast food in favor of healthier options."

estranged (adjective) /ɪˈstreɪn(d)ʒd/
Meaning: It implies a sense of distance or separation between individuals, often due to a breakdown in a relationship or a lack of communication.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to estranged?
Options: alienated; close; connected; intimate
Answer: alienated
Synonyms: apart; detached; disassociated; disengaged; distant; divided; isolated; separate; severed
Example: "The estranged siblings were not on speaking terms."

excommunication (noun) /ˌɛkskəmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: Excommunication is typically the formal expulsion or exclusion of a person from a religious community or organization.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to excommunication?
Options: expulsion; inclusion; acceptance; admission
Answer: expulsion
Synonyms: ban; censure; condemnation; damnation; denunciation; dismissal; removal; suspension
Example: "Excommunication was once a feared punishment in medieval times."

exempt (adjective) /ɪgˈzɛmpt/
Meaning: When an entity or individual is exempt, they are granted special privileges or are freed from certain responsibilities that would typically apply.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exempt?
Options: immune; liable; responsible; obligated
Answer: immune
Synonyms: absolved; exception; excluded; excused; free; immune; liberated; privileged; released; relieved; spared; unburdened
Example: "Veterans are often exempt from certain taxation."

forbid (verb) /fəˈbɪd/
Meaning: When someone forbids an action or behavior, they are essentially telling others that it is not permitted, and there may be consequences for disregarding this prohibition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to forbid?
Options: prohibit; permit; allow; authorize
Answer: prohibit
Synonyms: ban; criminalize; debar; deprive; disallow; interdict; outlaw; preclude; prohibit; proscribe; veto
Example: "The law forbid him from entering the premises without a warrant."

interdict (noun) /ˈɪntədɪkt/
Meaning: It is often used in legal, political, or religious contexts to refer to a formal order or edict that prohibits a specific activity, often for reasons of morality or legality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to interdict?
Options: prohibition; permission; allowance; approval
Answer: prohibition
Synonyms: edict; embargo; injunction; interdiction; order; proscription; restraint; sanction; taboo; veto
Example: "The interdict on smoking in public places is widely obeyed."

ironic (adjective) /aɪˈrɒn ɪk/
Meaning: Irony often involves a sense of incongruity or contradiction, where the outcome is unexpected, and it can carry a tone of sarcasm or humor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ironic?
Options: paradoxical; straightforward; expected; literal
Answer: paradoxical
Synonyms: humorous; incongruous; paradoxical; peculiar; quaint; surprising; unexpected; whimsical
Example: "It was ironic that the fire station burned down due to a faulty electrical system."

misogynist (adjective) /mɪˈsɒdʒɪnɪst/
Meaning: A misogynist person holds negative beliefs, attitudes, or biases against females, often resulting in the demeaning, devaluing, or objectification of women.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to misogynist?
Options: woman-hater; philogynist; misogyny-accepting; misogyny-tolerant
Answer: woman-hater
Synonyms: androcentric; antifeminist; antiwoman; biased; bigot; chauvinist; chauvinistic; discriminatory; misanthrope; misogamist; patriarchal; prejudiced
Example: "His misogynist remarks during the meeting left his colleagues shocked and uncomfortable."

outlaw (verb) /ˈaʊtˌlɔ/
Meaning: When something is outlawed, it is declared as unlawful or forbidden by a governing authority.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to outlaw?
Options: ban; legalize; permit; allow
Answer: ban
Synonyms: ban; censor; criminalize; disallow; embargo; exclude; forbid; interdict; prohibit; proscribe; restrict; suppress
Example: "The new law aims to outlaw discrimination based on race, gender, and religion."

preclude (verb) /prɪˈkluːd/
Meaning: To preclude something means to prevent it from happening or to make it impossible.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to preclude?
Options: prevent; allow; permit; enable
Answer: prevent
Synonyms: cease; evade; impede; inhibit; negate; neutralize; nullify; prohibit; stop; thwart
Example: "The late arrival of the train may preclude us from catching our connecting flight."

prohibit (verb) /prə(ʊ)ˈhɪbɪt/
Meaning: It is an official or legal term that implies a strong and often mandatory restriction.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to prohibit?
Options: ban; permit; allow; authorize
Answer: ban
Synonyms: ban; constrain; debar; disallow; hamper; hinder; impede; outlaw; preclude; restrict; veto
Example: "The company policies prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, or ethnicity."

refute (verb) /rɪˈfjuːt/
Meaning: When someone refutes something, they present evidence or arguments to show that the original statement is false, incorrect, or unsupported.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to refute?
Options: disprove; confirm; verify; validate
Answer: disprove
Synonyms: challenge; confute; contradict; counter; debunk; deny; disavow; discredit; disprove; invalidate; negate; quash
Example: "You must gather solid evidence to refute his false accusations."

reprobate (noun) /ˈrɛprəbeɪt/
Meaning: The noun "reprobate" refers to This individual has a character marked by persistent wrongdoing, depravity, and disregard for ethical and social norms.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to reprobate?
Options: degenerate; virtuous; moral; upright
Answer: degenerate
Synonyms: degenerate; delinquent; dissolute; evildoer; libertine; malefactor; miscreant; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; sinner; villain
Example: "The townspeople labeled him a reprobate after his scandalous deeds."

repudiate (verb) /rɪˈpjuːdɪeɪt/
Meaning: When individuals or entities repudiate, they make a clear and explicit statement that they do not support or agree with the subject in question.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to repudiate?
Options: deny; accept; embrace; acknowledge
Answer: deny
Synonyms: abandon; abjure; deny; desert; disallow; disavow; disclaim; dismiss; disown; forsake; negate; recant
Example: "They will repudiate the false accusations against them."

restrain (verb) /rɪsˈtreɪn/
Meaning: It involves exerting physical or mental force to prevent movement, activity, or expression beyond a certain limit or boundary.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to restrain?
Options: control; liberate; release; free
Answer: control
Synonyms: bridle; confine; control; curtail; detain; hold; inhibit; limit; restrict; subdue; suppress; withhold
Example: "They restrain their emotions in public."

retract (verb) /rɪˈtrakt/
Meaning: When someone retracts something, they essentially nullify or cancel what they had previously said or communicated, often acknowledging that the earlier statement was incorrect, inaccurate, or no longer valid.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to retract?
Options: withdraw; affirm; maintain; uphold
Answer: withdraw
Synonyms: disclaim; disown; recall; recant; renege; renounce; repeal; repudiate; rescind; reverse; revoke
Example: "You need to retract your statement immediately."

sober (adjective) /ˈsəʊbə/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is therefore able to think and act in a rational and responsible manner.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sober?
Options: clear-headed; intoxicated; drunk; inebriated
Answer: clear-headed
Synonyms: abstinent; composed; lucid; rational; reasonable; restrained; solemn; steady; straight
Example: "The doctor gave a sober diagnosis of the patient's condition."

sobriety (noun) /səˈbrʌɪəti/
Meaning: However, sobriety encompasses more than just abstaining from substance use; it also conveys a sense of seriousness, self-restraint, and rationality in one's actions, demeanor, and lifestyle.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sobriety?
Options: clarity; intoxication; inebriation; drunkenness
Answer: clarity
Synonyms: abstinence; asceticism; discipline; forbearance; nonindulgence; restraint; teetotal; temperance
Example: "His sobriety allowed him to make sound decisions."

stifle (verb) /ˈstʌɪfl/
Meaning: It can also refer to the physical act of suffocating or choking someone or something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stifle?
Options: suppress; encourage; promote; stimulate
Answer: suppress
Synonyms: curb; extinguish; hush; muffle; prevent; repress; restrain; silence; stop; strangle; suffocate
Example: "She had to stifle her laughter during the serious meeting."

subdue (verb) /səbˈdu/
Meaning: When someone or something is subdued, it implies that resistance or opposition has been successfully tamed or suppressed, resulting in submission or compliance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subdue?
Options: conquer; liberate; release; empower
Answer: conquer
Synonyms: conquer; master; overcome; overpower; pacify; quell; repress; restrain; subjugate; suppress
Example: "The magician used misdirection to subdue the audience's curiosity."

verboten (adjective) /vəːˈbəʊt(ə)n/
Meaning: The adjective 'verboten' is a term borrowed from the German language that has found its way into English.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to verboten?
Options: forbidden; allowed; permitted; sanctioned
Answer: forbidden
Synonyms: banned; barred; disallowed; forbidden; illegal; illicit; impermissible; outlawed; prohibited; proscribed; restricted; taboo
Example: "Entering the restricted area is strictly verboten for unauthorized personnel."

withdraw (verb) /wɪðˈdrɔː/
Meaning: The term is often used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to financial transactions to military operations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to withdraw?
Options: retreat; advance; confront; engage
Answer: retreat
Synonyms: depart; detach; extract; leave; pull; recall; recant; rescind; retire; revoke; secede
Example: "She decided to withdraw her candidacy for the position."