Synonyms of concede

concede

verb

kən-ˈsēd 

1

as in to admit

to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly

she grudgingly conceded his point

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admit
• confess
• acknowledge
• agree
• grant
• announce
• allow
• recognize
• disclose
• reveal
• own (up to)
• accept
• confirm
• tell
• say
• affirm
• declare
• come clean (about)
• fess (up)
• proclaim
• profess
• unload
• publish
• divulge
• avow
• inform
• warn
• yield
• expose
• communicate
• betray
• talk
• impart
• spill
• unburden
• broadcast
• tip (off)
• disburden
• whisper
• breathe
• unveil
• give away
• wise (up)
• leak
• break
• blab
• tattle
• squeal
• rat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• contradict
• disclaim
• reject
• disallow
• dispute
• negative
• refute
• negate
• rebut
• disavow
• repudiate
• hide
• cover (up)
• conceal
• disown
• gainsay
• obscure
• veil
• kid (oneself)

2

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)

he conceded as soon as it became clear that he could not win

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succumb
• submit
• surrender
• capitulate
• budge
• bow
• relent
• yield
• quit
• acquiesce
• give in
• blink
• say uncle
• knuckle under
• throw in the towel
• defer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resist
• contend
• fight
• meet
• oppose
• confront
• face
• object
• breast
• defy
• counter
• combat
• withstand
• hold off
• repel
• battle
• thwart

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb concede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concede are accord, award, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can accord take the place of concede?

The synonyms accord and concede are sometimes interchangeable, but accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can award be used instead of concede?

In some situations, the words award and concede are roughly equivalent. However, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is it sensible to use grant instead of concede?

The meanings of grant and concede largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

When could vouchsafe be used to replace concede?

The words vouchsafe and concede can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of concede

Soon, eight-term Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien conceded to challenger Adam Greenman, who'd campaigned on the idea that after 16 years, the city needed a change. — Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

The team is on pace to concede 85 goals this season, surpassing the 2024 Earthquakes, who conceded 78. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

And though Republicans remain confident in their chances of holding onto the seat, some concede that the race will be tough — and expensive. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Sprague conceded Clancy had mental health issues and was depressed. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026