renegade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renegade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who behaves in a rebellious or unconventional manner, often against established norms or rules. Example: "The artist was known as a renegade, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was hardboiled, renegade, ready to move to the big city.

The Guardian - Music

Here's a genuine world exclusive: the world premiere of a movie made by the Daily Star's most famous renegade staffer, Richard Peppiatt, will take place next month at the Sheffield documentary festival.

The Guardian

This was a bunch of renegade creative people rebelling against the advertising world as it then was and trying to change it from within.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If Under the Skin might come across a little renegade, that can't be said for Mr Turner; a thoroughly mainstream, beguilingly told period film from one of our most garlanded auteurs.

The Guardian - Film

As a top dog whose governance style is close to that of a clan chief, Mr Yanukovych is particularly allergic to continual signs of contempt coming from Mr Putin, who considers him a renegade and a provincial redneck.Ukrainian oligarchs also have their reasons for backing Ukraine's European integration.

The Economist

That was the work of renegade employees.

The Economist

He had always been a hybrid: renegade and rabbi, charlatan and saint.

The Economist

Each summer, as the weather gets hotter, the political temperature rises in the enclaves.This year's drama has included the Georgian government's operation last week to disarm a renegade warlord in the remote Kodori gorge, the only bit of Abkhazia at least nominally controlled by the Tbilisi authorities.

The Economist

The monument will commemorate some 30 Serbs and Croats murdered by what Alija Behmen, the mayor of Sarajevo, called a renegade unit of the Bosnian Army during the Serbian siege of the city.

The Economist

Like Afghanistan (see previous post), Uganda has the reputation of being a bit of a demographic renegade.

The Economist

Yet as Abu Sayyaf shows, bandits or not, various links can be established with al-Qaeda: Abubakar Janjalani, Abu Sayyaf's founder, trained with Mr bin Laden in Afghanistan.Some militant groups, however, are quick to denounce Mr bin Laden as a misguided renegade.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "renegade" when you want to emphasize a deliberate break from established norms or loyalty, often suggesting a sense of defiance or independence.

Common error

Avoid using "renegade" as a general term for disagreement. It specifically implies a desertion or betrayal of a cause or loyalty, not just simple opposition.

Linguistic Context

The term "renegade" primarily functions as a noun, often used to describe an individual who abandons or betrays a cause, principle, or group. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in this context, highlighting its role in identifying those who defy established norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "renegade" is a versatile noun used to describe someone who defies or abandons a cause, belief, or group, as confirmed by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news and media, highlighting its role in portraying individuals who break from established norms. While the term is grammatically correct, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects a deliberate betrayal or desertion rather than simple disagreement. When writing, remember that alternatives like "rebel" or "defector" can provide nuanced meanings. Overall, understanding the context and implications of "renegade" ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebel

A general term for someone who opposes authority or convention.

defector

Implies abandonment of allegiance, often in political or military contexts.

maverick

Highlights independent thinking and nonconformity.

dissenter

Highlights disagreement with established doctrines or authority.

deserter

Highlights abandoning a duty or post, particularly in the military.

insurgent

Focuses on active rebellion against a government or authority.

apostate

Specifically refers to someone who abandons their religious faith.

heretic

Implies holding beliefs that contradict established religious dogma.

traitor

Emphasizes betrayal of one's country or group.

mutineer

Specifically refers to someone who participates in a mutiny, especially in the military.

FAQs

How to use "renegade" in a sentence?

"Renegade" can be used to describe a person who deserts a cause or defies convention. For example, "He was considered a "renegade" for abandoning his political party."

What can I say instead of "renegade"?

You can use alternatives like "rebel", "dissenter", or "defector", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "renegade" or "renegate"?

"Renegade" is the correct spelling and word to use when referring to someone who abandons a cause or principle. "Renegate" is an archaic form and is rarely used in modern English.

What's the difference between "renegade" and "outlaw"?

While both terms describe someone outside the law or conventional norms, "renegade" emphasizes the betrayal of a previous allegiance or principle, whereas "outlaw" simply refers to someone who has broken the law.