Synonyms of abdicate

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt 

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abdicate

Although the Shah never officially abdicated, the Iranian population voted in a national referendum on April 1 to become an Islamic republic and to make Khomeini the country's supreme leader, effectively replacing the Shah's secular authoritarian monarchy with an anti-Western theocracy. —Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026

Commentators have compared the pressures facing the House of Windsor to 1936, when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. —Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Commentators have compared the pressures facing the House of Windsor to 1936, when King Edward VIII abdicated the thrown to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. —ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Democratic leaders have accused Congress of abdicating its constitutional role, and some members plan to boycott the address or attend in silent protest. —Nik Popli, Time, 23 Feb. 2026

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