acquiescence

noun

ac·​qui·​es·​cence ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce acquiescence (audio)
1
: passive acceptance or submission : the act of acquiescing or the state of being acquiescent
I was surprised by his acquiescence to their demands.
2
: an instance of acquiescing

Examples of acquiescence in a Sentence

good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner
Recent Examples on the Web That initial resistance, followed by a quick acquiescence, offers little real indication of what will happen with Beyoncé’s song nationally. Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2024 Without ever hammering the point, acquiescence is depicted as a form of societal cancer. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024 The true horror of Kaufman's Invasion, though, is that acquiescence gives way to McCarthyism; in conformity, old friends become new enemies. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 Nov. 2023 Their acquiescence had more to do with getting concessions from the U.S. than stepping up relations with Israel. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024 Owing to the acquiescence of the Russian population, the Kremlin is willing, and able, to absorb casualties that would collapse governments in free societies. David Axe, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 With Gracie’s acquiescence, Elizabeth proceeds to interview those who’ve known her, although Gracie resents not being told in advance when the interviewees include Gracie’s first husband. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023 There will have to be Hamas acquiescence in any kind of stable solution no matter what Israel does in Gaza going forward. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2023 To do so, Washington should encourage Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to deepen their diplomatic and economic engagement with Iran in order to secure Tehran’s acquiescence to a permanent settlement for the Palestinian issue and de-escalation in the Levant. Maria Fantappie and Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acquiescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acquiescer "to acquiesce" + -ence -ence

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquiescence was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near acquiescence

Cite this Entry

“Acquiescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquiescence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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