Synonyms of resign

resign

verb

ri-ˈzīn 

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

• abdicate
• relinquish
• renounce
• cede
• surrender
• deny
• vacate
• waive
• step down (from)
• step aside (from)
• abnegate
• abandon
• disown
• disavow
• demit
• forsake
• abjure
• disclaim
• quit
• yield
• hand over
• give up
• desert

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assume
• claim
• appropriate
• protect
• seize
• confiscate
• defend
• take over
• arrogate
• secure
• usurp
• guard
• safeguard
• wrest

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resign

In a 32-11 vote, City Council members voted to approve Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada as alderman of the 35th Ward after his predecessor, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, resigned last month to lead the Chicago Park District. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

The World Cup crash led to then-head coach Vlatko Andonovski resigning and the youngest member of the squad getting left out of the roster to regain form with mixed results for her club. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

After a week of rallies, boycotts and protests, the students of Gallaudet University triumph as the hearing president resigns and beloved dean Dr. I. King Jordan becomes the university’s first Deaf president. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025

The hearing will feature testimonies from former employees at the Department of Justice who have been fired or resigned due to actions from the Trump administration. —Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 7 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing resign

• resign (from)