Synonym Chooser

How does the verb concede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concede are accord, award, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can accord take the place of concede?

The synonyms accord and concede are sometimes interchangeable, but accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can award be used instead of concede?

In some situations, the words award and concede are roughly equivalent. However, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is it sensible to use grant instead of concede?

The meanings of grant and concede largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

When could vouchsafe be used to replace concede?

The words vouchsafe and concede can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 concede Asked Sunday whether the Trump administration has conceded that a constitutional amendment would be the only way for Trump to seek a third term in office, Bondi repeated a sentiment expressed by Bream just moments earlier. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025 Gallese had his first shutout of the season for Orlando City (3-2-2) after conceding 11 goals. Tribune Wire Services, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025 Riggs' supporters have held rallies urging Griffin to concede, accusing him of trying to reverse a lawful election result. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 However, Barcelona have scored 20 goals more than Real Madrid in the first 29 league games of the season, while also conceding one goal fewer. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Rory McIlroy admitted in his post-final round interview with reporters that dropping to his knees after watching his playoff birdie putt sink to win the 89th Masters tournament was pure relief.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Typically seen as a safe haven asset in times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, gold succumbed to the aftershock of Trump’s policy seesawing in recent days before rallying 1.7% to around $3,228 an ounce on Friday morning.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Within a fortnight, a farmer in rural Georgia is hospitalized with a high fever and vomiting blood; a week later his son in San Antonio succumbs, becoming the first U.S. Ebola death.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the veteran investigator and his suspect began their drive, Jones confessed to Ford.
    Lauren A. White, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Balmer turned himself in and allegedly confessed to the fire, according to search warrants.
    Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Anonymous tips can be submitted at ManateeCrimestoppers.com.
    Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In one of the more shocking upsets in UFC title fight history, Pena submitted Nunes in the second round, ending the Brazilian’s title reign.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The sheriff of Island County, Mark Brown, apologized to Fred and acknowledged, in a public report, that his own staff was responsible.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Walls acknowledges that the union may not ultimately be able to stop Newsom’s return-to-office order and convince the state to secure a raise.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • She was shot once in the shoulder, and after briefly going back into her home, ultimately surrendered and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, the Brewers allowed 36 runs, surrendering 15 home runs, as the Yanks swept the three games.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The panel also agreed Way acted with malice, oppression or fraud, and awarded her another $250,000 in punitive damages.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And Richard agreed to plead Lucas’ case to Catherine, lest the resident have to repeat his first year.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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