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

Despite scoring 80 or more points just twice during this stretch, the Valkyries have not conceded more than 80 points. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Mbappé has scored or assisted in every game heading into Tuesday but faced perhaps his toughest test of the tournament against Spain, which had only conceded a single goal in the World Cup. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Spain has conceded only one goal across its six World Cup games so far. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 14 July 2026

Spain are the only team yet to concede a goal, while their opponents, Belgium, have scored 13 goals in just five games. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 10 July 2026