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 Her top opponent, Levar Stoney, conceded on Wednesday. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 Lamont insists Connecticut’s budget controls remain strong but conceded that convincing Democratic lawmakers to adhere to them wasn’t easy. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 On environmental impact, Tang conceded that the company needs to cut its carbon emissions on transport. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 June 2025 Both players were sloppy in the first set, conceding 21 break-point chances and making 48 unforced errors between them, with Sabalenka making 32 yet still winning the set. Jerome Pugmire, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for concede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • The latter admitted she was literally taken aback by the very high quality of projects in development and keen to follow up on two-three projects for world sales and French distribution in 2026-2027.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 14 June 2025
  • Perez admitted nailing an ace isn't solely based on skill.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The explosion in the Lebanese capital, which killed more than 200 people and injured thousands, caused devastation to the building and its owners, with the matriarch of the family, 98-year-old Yvonne Sursock Cochrane, eventually succumbing to her injuries.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
  • So far this year, one person — a 13-year-old boy — has died from subway surfing, succumbing to his injuries days after falling off the top of a No. 7 train in Queens.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • That myth has been debunked — a publicity agent confessed in 2010 that the company made it up.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 17 June 2025
  • Randle allegedly confessed to lying about the kidnapping, CBS News reported, citing charging documents.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Download the Vogue app and find our Style Advice section to submit your question.
    Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 19 June 2025
  • David Frank DeLuca, Palm Bay Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Check in with teammates, acknowledge their stressors, and lead with compassion.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Pickard’s only goal surrendered was the one from Sam Reinhart that tied Game 4 with 19.5 seconds left in regulation to send it to overtime.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
  • The club led 3-0 before surrendering a pair of late goals.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump tried to get Iranians to agree to a real nuclear deal.
    The Editors, National Review, 22 June 2025
  • Reviewers with fine, thick, curly, and wavy hair all seem to agree: this $1.25 bargain is worth keeping in rotation.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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