Definition of repudiatenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word repudiate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of repudiate are decline, refuse, reject, and spurn. While all these words mean "to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering," repudiate implies a casting off or disowning as untrue, unauthorized, or unworthy of acceptance.

teenagers who repudiate the values of their parents

When can decline be used instead of repudiate?

The words decline and repudiate can be used in similar contexts, but decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations.

declined his party's nomination

When is it sensible to use refuse instead of repudiate?

While in some cases nearly identical to repudiate, refuse suggests more positiveness or ungraciousness and often implies the denial of something asked for.

refused to lend them the money

Where would reject be a reasonable alternative to repudiate?

The words reject and repudiate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reject implies a peremptory refusal by sending away or discarding.

rejected the manuscript as unpublishable

When is spurn a more appropriate choice than repudiate?

In some situations, the words spurn and repudiate are roughly equivalent. However, spurn stresses contempt or disdain in rejection or repudiation.

spurned his overtures of friendship

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of repudiate And major medical groups have repudiated conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Although the election was largely symbolic—the Texas legislature is currently not in session, and the candidates will run again in November—it was widely seen as evidence that voters were repudiating the current Republican agenda. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026 The post was quickly repudiated. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026 The profound significance of the recent protests lies in their creation of a vast public space where tens of thousands repudiated the lie in unison. Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repudiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repudiate
Verb
  • The medical providers Cole and Mosley accused denied wrongdoing.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • Weinstein’s attorneys have denied that encounter ever took place, and have argued that the trial judge improperly withheld evidence that would have bolstered his alibi.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • To add to the sense of chaos, a ballboy refused to give the ball to Middlesbrough’s Matt Targett — who began his career at Southampton — which led to another flare-up.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • When Warren’s editor sent galleys of the book to William Faulkner, seeking a blurb, Faulkner refused.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • But Breakfield rejected that argument during sentencing.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • Lower courts likely won't approve a measure that aims to circumvent a Supreme Court ruling and would probably reject any law that ties the provision of general government services to the behaviors of the recipients, Smith said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The rush to renounce Chavez also happened in other states.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
  • The program calls for the recognition of Israel and renouncing armed struggle, effectively sidelining Hamas and other factions.
    SAM METZ, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • King’s break with Johnson was not about refuting his historic contributions.
    Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
  • The court found that Pitt, 62, failed to provide enough evidence to refute Jolie's privilege claim, but the request was dismissed without prejudice, meaning his team can challenge the motion.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • McGrail says Janet declined and put an end to the evening.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • Schoenbrun’s third feature, Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma stars Einbinder as an enthusiastic young director who is tasked with resurrecting the Camp Miasma slasher franchise after years of subpar sequels and declining fandom.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • They were given sixty days to cease operations and withdraw all international staff.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Inevitably, Kreutzer’s film was tarnished by association and even withdrawn from cinemas.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the original research study that supported the movement was retracted.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
  • The report was retracted in a separate tweet, but that didn’t stop the internet, which never sleeps.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Repudiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repudiate. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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