relent

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relent are capitulate, defer, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

When is capitulate a more appropriate choice than relent?

The meanings of capitulate and relent largely overlap; however, capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.

officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to relent?

Although the words defer and relent have much in common, defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another.

I defer to your expertise in these matters

When can submit be used instead of relent?

In some situations, the words submit and relent are roughly equivalent. However, submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.

a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

When is it sensible to use succumb instead of relent?

While in some cases nearly identical to relent, succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.

a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

When would yield be a good substitute for relent?

While the synonyms yield and relent are close in meaning, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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 relent After this devastation, the Pharaoh finally relented. Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025 Back then, in part thanks to principled conservatives in the Administration and in Congress, the Administration relented and released the aid after details about the hold in assistance began to emerge. Mark Sandy, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 Before the case was tried, Coolidge in March 1924 finally relented and forced an uncooperative Daugherty to resign. Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025 If Trump has any intention of relenting, there’s no sign of it yet. Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
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
  • That said, the film sometimes succumbs to the tireder tropes of the music-doc genre.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While the threat of more tornadoes has subsided in the Great Plains, fire danger remains elevated Monday in the region.
    Ginger Zee, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Inflation, which went wild post-Covid, subsided in February, according to data yesterday that gave markets a brief reprieve.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a concurring opinion submitted with a unanimous denial of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III −a Reagan appointee − laid out an argument that sending deportees out of the country would allow the government to avoid due process.
    James Powel, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Nearly 140 local artists then submitted original designs with personal statements explaining the image and themes used.
    Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The previous six champions were all diminished the following season by either injuries or significant roster changes.
    Jay King, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.
    Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deputy Latah County Prosecutor Ashley Jennings also flat out denied Taylor's accusations that prosecutors were slow-walking discovery and said everything the defense has asked for has been provided, a point that Taylor conceded in front of the judge.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His interrogator conceded that the police must have gotten the wrong guy and released him within weeks.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And the over-all number of abortions in the U.S. may eventually decrease as a result of Dobbs.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, just 5 percent said tariffs would decrease prices in the short term, and 30 percent said the policy would lower prices in the long term.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Michael Busch drove an elevated fastball into the seats, the first extra-base hit Sasaki had surrendered all season.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 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
  • But Trump isn’t budging anytime soon, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The big question is whether Trump will budge on any of the duty rates — such as 20% on the European Union; 27% on India; 26% on South Korea; and 46% on Vietnam — before Wednesday rolls around.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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