Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capitulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capitulate are defer, relent, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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

When would defer be a good substitute for capitulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate, 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 is it sensible to use relent instead of capitulate?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, 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 can submit be used instead of capitulate?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could succumb be used to replace capitulate?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is yield a more appropriate choice than capitulate?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 capitulate The companies have to have the courage not to capitulate. Max Tani, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025 All broadcasters must stand firm in defense of free expression and the First Amendment, not capitulate to a policy of political appeasement. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 General Mills capitulated and brought back the original Trix, artificial dyes and all. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025 Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
Verb
  • Bin Laden outlasted Bellevue, too, before succumbing.
    Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There have been moments where Marr and Morrissey nearly succumbed to the pressure.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Cowboys’ defense may have reached its lowest point last week against the Bears, surrendering 31 points, four touchdown passes and a 60 percent success rate on third downs.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • It’s been a rough couple of years and an uneven few weeks for the Broncos’ secondary, which often finds itself on the receiving end of criticism for surrendering big plays and big passing yards.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Both sides will submit fuller legal arguments and the Department of Homeland Security may be ordered to produce its internal decision record.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Residents of Los Angeles County must submit an application to the LACSD.
    Max Rego, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Privately, political operatives from both sides concede that government shutdowns are bad for both parties.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, de Apziazu conceded streamers’ ambition and budgets are still leading to market-leading productions, even if fewer of them are made.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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