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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Repudiate” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

To officially refuse to accept or acknowledge something you previously agreed to or were responsible for.

IPA: /ˌrepjuˈdeɪt/Level: C1Register: formalPart of speech: verb

Meaning of Repudiate

To formally reject or disown something, typically a debt, agreement, or claim.

How to Pronounce Repudiate

IPA: /ˌrepjuˈdeɪt/ Stress: Oos

Stress the first syllable: REP-you-day-t. The -ate ending sounds like 'ate' not 'it'.

Full pronunciation guide for repudiate →

4 Synonyms for Repudiate — Words Similar to Repudiate

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

reject

/rɪˈdʒekt/
verb B1

To say no to something or refuse to accept or use it.

Example: The university rejected his application because his test scores were too low.

disavow

/ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/
verb C2 Formal

To publicly say that you do not support something, have no connection to it, or were not involved in it. To distance yourself from something.

Example: The company quickly disavowed the controversial advertisement after public backlash.

Smart Synonyms for Repudiate — When to Use Each

disown

Emphasizes a personal relationship severing

renounce

Implies giving up rights or claims willingly

disavow

Suggests distancing oneself from responsibility

reject

More neutral term for refusing something

Antonyms of Repudiate — Opposite Words

How to Use Repudiate and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The government repudiated the previous treaty after internal review. C1
  • She repudiated her earlier claims when confronted with contradictory evidence. B2
  • They decided to repudiate the contract due to unforeseen circumstances. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Repudiate

What is another word for "repudiate"?

Common synonyms for "repudiate" include: reject, disown, disavow, renounce.

What can I say instead of "repudiate"?

Try one of these alternatives: reject, disown, disavow, renounce. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "repudiate" formal or informal?

"repudiate" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.

When should I use "repudiate" instead of "reject"?

Use "repudiate" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "reject" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "repudiate"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "repudiate" include: accept, ratify, endorse.

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