RESIGN Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'resign' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of resign are abandon , relinquish , surrender , waive , and yield . While all these words mean "to give up completely," resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle. // resigned her position

Q: When would 'abandon' be a good substitute for 'resign'?

Although the words abandon and resign have much in common, abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up. // abandoned all hope

Q: When is 'relinquish' a more appropriate choice than 'resign'?

The synonyms relinquish and resign are sometimes interchangeable, but relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness. // relinquished her crown

Q: When is it sensible to use 'surrender' instead of 'resign'?

The words surrender and resign can be used in similar contexts, but surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist. // surrendered their claims

Q: Where would 'waive' be a reasonable alternative to 'resign'?

The meanings of waive and resign largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion. // waived the right to a trial by jury

Q: When can 'yield' be used instead of 'resign'?

The words yield and resign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force. // the troops yielded ground grudgingly

resign

verb

ri-ˈzīn

Definition of resign next

as in to abdicate

to give up (as a position of authority) formally following the election, the incumbent cabinet members resigned their positions so the president could feel free to pick a new administration

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word resign different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of resign are abandon, relinquish, surrender, waive, and yield. While all these words mean "to give up completely," resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle.

resigned her position

When would abandon be a good substitute for resign?

Although the words abandon and resign have much in common, abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up.

abandoned all hope

When is relinquish a more appropriate choice than resign?

The synonyms relinquish and resign are sometimes interchangeable, but relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness.

relinquished her crown

When is it sensible to use surrender instead of resign?

The words surrender and resign can be used in similar contexts, but surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist.

surrendered their claims

Where would waive be a reasonable alternative to resign?

The meanings of waive and resign largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion.

waived the right to a trial by jury

When can yield be used instead of resign?

The words yield and resign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force.

the troops yielded ground grudgingly

Examples 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 resign The head of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), who has not been linked to the martial law bid and expressed support for impeachment, also resigned on Monday. —

Jason Ma, Fortune Asia, 16 Dec. 2024 Lewis-Martin suddenly resigned from her role as chief advisor to Mayor Adams on Sunday. —

Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024 In October, Ernst & Young resigned as Super Micro’s auditor, resulting in a 33% stock plunge. —

Jordan Novet, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024 Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from her post over disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on how to respond to President-elect Donald Trump‘s threat of tariffs. —

Mike Brest, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resign

Verb

Ninety years ago today, the course of future Queen Elizabeth's life was forever altered when her uncle, King Edward VIII, chose to abdicate tthe throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson — casting the young princess on a path to one day reign.

Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Many of them won’t vote in favor of recessing to literally abdicate the chamber’s constitutional responsibility of advice and consent.

Tia Yang, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024