1
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
she reluctantly ceded her position as leader
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2
as in to assign
to give over the legal possession or ownership of
Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the settlement of the Spanish-American War
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3
as in to abdicate
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the President officially cedes his position on the January 20th immediately following the presidential election
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cede
While Trump allies argue that the broadcasters are bloated and outdated, advocates say that by dismantling the networks, the United States is ceding the airwaves to China and other world powers, thereby harming American interests abroad.
—
Brian Stelter, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Rather than dive into a song and drop the curtain on a set anchored by a statue-like representation of two hands holding a crown, Blige disappeared and ceded attention to a video montage touting her accolades and achievements.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
There are consequences to Congress ceding wide swaths of its authority to a massive administration state.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Losing once again could see Barca cede its one point lead at the La Liga summit over Atletico Madrid, and three point advantage at the expense of bitter rival Real Madrid.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cede
Brian Stelter, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Rather than dive into a song and drop the curtain on a set anchored by a statue-like representation of two hands holding a crown, Blige disappeared and ceded attention to a video montage touting her accolades and achievements.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
There are consequences to Congress ceding wide swaths of its authority to a massive administration state.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Losing once again could see Barca cede its one point lead at the La Liga summit over Atletico Madrid, and three point advantage at the expense of bitter rival Real Madrid.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cede
Verb
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Hamas does not tolerate dissent and will not relinquish power easily.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Israel says the war won’t end until Hamas relinquishes power and releases the remaining 59 hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Analyst Christopher Nardone is getting bullish on the fashion company, assigning it a buy rating and a $318 target, which would translate about 44% upside potential over the coming year.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
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Three different judges assigned to each of the cases — appointed by two different presidents — have agreed to temporarily block portions of the orders while proceedings move forward.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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My previous tendency to abdicate responsibility for certain aspects of the business was holding us back.—
Paul David,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Trump also seems to have abdicated most responsibility of bureaucracy to others by allowing Musk’s team unprecedented access to sensitive government programs and documents that include people’s personal information.—
Shannon Bow O'Brien,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On Thursday, Ehrlich surrendered himself to authorities at the Lakewood Township Police headquarters before being transported to Ocean County Jail, where he’s currently being held, according to prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
20 Mar. 2025
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Eight others have had their certifications temporarily suspended, and three officers voluntarily surrendered their licenses.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Schreiner also spoke out against states and colleges that were not offering the trans athlete a full scholarship when Schreiner wanted to transfer in December.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
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The deportees were then transferred to the Center for Terrorism Confinement, known as Cecot, the largest prison in the Americas.—
Merlin Delcid,
CNN,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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One now former Skadden attorney, Rachel Cohen, resigned over her firm’s approach.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Another vacancy was created when Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, once considered for Trump's attorney general, resigned before withdrawing from consideration.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That renders every emotional moment (what made the original Lion King so terrific) utterly lifeless.—
Barry Levitt,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
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There is no reason to say that the current challenges render AI’s implementation impossible.—
William Tarr,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Earlier in the game, Swanson conveyed in a conversation with Crow-Armstrong to utilize the tools he has been given and not think too much how to best use them.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2025
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Communication tops this list—chiefs of staff must convey complex ideas clearly and diplomatically across all organizational levels.—
Cynthia Pong, JD,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cede. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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