acquiescence

noun

ac·​qui·​es·​cence ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: the act or action of acquiescing

—often used with to

his acquiescence to their demands

2

: the quality or state of being acquiescent : passive assent or submission

an attitude of acquiescence

Synonyms of acquiescence

• obedience
• assent
• deference
• submissiveness
• docility

Examples of acquiescence in a Sentence

good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner

Recent Examples on the Web

With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Less money coming into government coffers also means fewer goodies for the population of Moscow, whose acquiescence Putin desperately needs. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

But the balance of risks has changed Europe’s era of acquiescence is over. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acquiescence

• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence