as in to resign
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
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Recent Examples of abdicate
Grand Duke Henri is set to abdicate in October this year, to hand over the throne to his son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, after nearly 25 years as monarch.
—
William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
However, Congress has abdicated much of this responsibility over time, either through legislation or neglect; both parties and all branches are guilty.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Rarely have politicians who call themselves leaders abdicated their responsibility more profoundly.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Daniel Gordon’s film focused on the 100-meter final at the Seoul Olympics, a race that was dominated by Ben Johnson, who then abdicated the crown after a positive steroid test, leaving Carl Lewis as the desultory victor.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abdicate
William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
However, Congress has abdicated much of this responsibility over time, either through legislation or neglect; both parties and all branches are guilty.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Rarely have politicians who call themselves leaders abdicated their responsibility more profoundly.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Daniel Gordon’s film focused on the 100-meter final at the Seoul Olympics, a race that was dominated by Ben Johnson, who then abdicated the crown after a positive steroid test, leaving Carl Lewis as the desultory victor.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abdicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate
Verb
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Keesee resigned from his position at the church in August.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Sassoon, who replaced U.S. Attorney Damien Williams in the Southern District of New York, declined to drop the case against Adams and resigned.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The New York congresswoman had relinquished her No. 4 leadership slot as House Republican Conference Chair since she had been named Trump’s UN pick, and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) was elected in her place.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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Because these behavioral issues are not dissected, addressed or asked about during vet visits, many people relinquish their dogs to animal shelters.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Some of these firms have responded by agreeing to renounce diversity outreach efforts and commit tens of millions of dollars in pro bono work to defend Trump's priorities in future litigation.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Russian president has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining NATO military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.—
TIME,
TIME,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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