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

The most disturbing thing about it is the silence, the acquiescence, the normalization. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

In fact, such preemptive acquiescence can embolden politicians to double down on their policy goals. —Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Indeed, the notion remains strong that Ukraine’s acquiescence to Russia on the territorial issue would send a devastating signal around the world that force prevails over the rule of law. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2024

But all dictatorships require at least some degree of either popular support or acquiescence. —Brett L. Carter, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1