SUCCUMB Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'succumb' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of succumb are capitulate , defer , relent , submit , and yield . While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force. // a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

Q: When could 'capitulate' be used to replace 'succumb'?

Although the words capitulate and succumb have much in common, capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force. // officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

Q: In what contexts can 'defer' take the place of 'succumb'?

While in some cases nearly identical to succumb , defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another. // I defer to your expertise in these matters

Q: When is 'relent' a more appropriate choice than 'succumb'?

The words relent and succumb are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand. // finally relented and let the children stay up late

Q: Where would 'submit' be a reasonable alternative to 'succumb'?

The synonyms submit and succumb are sometimes interchangeable, but submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another. // a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

Q: When would 'yield' be a good substitute for 'succumb'?

The meanings of yield and succumb largely overlap; however, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty. // yields too easily in any argument

succumb

verb

sə-ˈkəm

Definition of succumb next

as in to submit

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) he finally succumbed and let his wife get rid of his dilapidated easy chair

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surrender

to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit) refused to succumb to her fears and defiantly walked through the dark cemetery

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as in to die

to stop living the patient lay so still and pale that everyone thought he had succumbed, and then he opened his eyes

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as in to capitulate

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the doctor worked tirelessly until finally he, too, succumbed to the fever

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb succumb differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of succumb are capitulate, defer, relent, submit, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.

a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

When could capitulate be used to replace succumb?

Although the words capitulate and succumb have much in common, capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.

officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

In what contexts can defer take the place of succumb?

While in some cases nearly identical to succumb, defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another.

I defer to your expertise in these matters

When is relent a more appropriate choice than succumb?

The words relent and succumb are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

Where would submit be a reasonable alternative to succumb?

The synonyms submit and succumb are sometimes interchangeable, but submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.

a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

When would yield be a good substitute for succumb?

The meanings of yield and succumb largely overlap; however, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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 succumb After lung cancer, the number-one cause of cancer death in American men is prostate cancer, with about one in 44 men succumbing to the disease. —

Michael Franco, New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2025 In the end, Strowman will likely succumb to Fatu when he is assisted by the other members of the (former) Bloodline. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Almost 10 years after Jackie Collins succumbed to breast cancer at age 77, a Beverly Hills trophy estate best known as the longtime home of the bestselling British romance novelist and younger sister of actress Dame Joan Collins has popped up for sale with a substantial $66 million price tag. —

Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025 Firefighters extricated the woman and transported her to the hospital, where she was treated but later succumbed to her injuries. —

Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for succumb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for succumb

Verb

A week earlier Hosemann had submitted a $326 million tax cut package.

— Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
Since then, veterans and survivors have submitted over 4 million claims, including almost 1.7 million PACT Act-specific claim applications.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025