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 Day six of the government shutdown and The Daily Show host Jon Stewart is defending Democrats‘ decision to not capitulate to Senate demands. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 The red-state seats held by Democrats in 2018 are now mostly filled by Republicans, significantly reducing the pressure for Democrats to capitulate. New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 But the vote provoked a firestorm from progressive groups and rank-and-file Democrats, who accused him of capitulating without winning concessions. Nik Popli, Time, 19 Sep. 2025 The companies have to have the courage not to capitulate. Max Tani, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
Verb
  • The man who died, whose name has not been released, was reportedly injured during the incident and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, officials said.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • One of the victims succumbed to her injuries.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Steelers' defense was absolutely shredded by 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals' offense on Thursday night, surrendering 470 total yards in the 33-31 loss.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Resistance from African Leaders As youth protests grow stronger, African governments, particularly those that are military-led, are unlikely to surrender their positions without a fight.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Online votes can be adjusted during the window; SMS votes are final once submitted.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • O’Connell has submitted a supplemental budget to the Metro Council for review, since the new sales tax funds weren’t anticipated in the original fiscal year 2025 budget.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their underlying numbers are equally compelling, conceding just five big chances on their goal.
    Holly Shand, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The doc feature records a news report on Taj Erlander, Swedish prime minister during much of Wallenberg’s imprisonment, admitting as much, conceding that his government had failed one of its greatest citizens by not pressing hard for his release.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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