relent

verb

re·​lent ri-ˈlent 

relented; relenting; relents

intransitive verb

1

a

: to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity

b

: to cease resistance : give in

2

: let up, slacken

transitive verb

obsolete : soften, mollify

Synonyms of relent

• succumb
• concede
• submit
• surrender
• budge
• capitulate

Choose the Right Synonym for relent

yield, submit, capitulate, succumb, relent, defer mean to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist.

yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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

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

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

relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

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

Examples of relent in a Sentence

Our application was initially refused, but the city relented in the end and the permit was issued.

They had refused to pay and relented only after being threatened with a lawsuit.

The winds would not relent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Finland struck early and never relented, holding Latvia to just four shots on goal while scoring three times in the opening period to take control. —Wire Report, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025

Following his abysmal 2024 season, Houser finally relented. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025

Moments later, at roughly 10 minutes till 1 in the morning, Naroditsky finally relented, and ended the live-stream. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Dec. 2025

Ultimately, a handful of Democratic senators relented, voting last month to reopen the government in exchange for the promise of a vote on extending the health subsidies. —Sam Gringlas, NPR, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Rhymes for relent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids Definition

relent

verb

re·​lent ri-ˈlent 

1

: to become less severe, harsh, or strict

2

: slacken sense 1