acquiescence

noun

ac·​qui·​es·​cence ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: passive acceptance or submission : the act of acquiescing or the state of being acquiescent

I was surprised by his acquiescence to their demands.

2

: an instance of acquiescing

Synonyms

• biddability
• compliance
• compliancy
• deference
• docility
• obedience
• submissiveness

Examples of acquiescence in a Sentence

good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

Republican Dwight Eisenhower’s election in 1952 resulted in GOP acquiescence in the New Deal’s expansion of federal authority. —Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Even now, after more than two and a half years of fighting, most polling shows Russians generally displaying support, or at least acquiescence, to the war, although some dents appear to be showing. —Peter Pomerantsev, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024

These nuns will also act as silent servants, ferrying the men’s food from kitchen to table with cheerful acquiescence. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024

Indeed, acquiescence is its own form of tacit support. —Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acquiescer "to acquiesce" + -ence -ence

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1