give way

phrase

1

a

: retreat

b

: to yield the right of way

2

: to yield oneself without restraint or control

3

a

: to yield to or as if to physical stress

The roof gave way under heavy snow.

b

: to yield to entreaty or insistence

After several hours of debate, the opposition finally gave way.

4

: to yield place

Farmland has given way to shopping malls.

5

: to begin to row

Examples of give way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dispute comes as the initial surge of excitement surrounding Sanders’ arrival at Colorado has given way to struggles on the field, threatening to erode the program’s once-soaring band. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

For brands trying to reach young consumers in China, the old playbook of presenting an aspirational lifestyle may be giving way to something more personal — helping users find interests, creators and communities that feel like their own. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

But Glennon’s glad-handing soon gives way to a much blunter critique when my Ear-Candling Tech’s apprentice steps in to say that my team has absolutely had it with me and my excuses. — Julie Klausner, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026

In a midterm environment that disfavors the party in power, Republicans' narrow 218-214 seat advantage in the House appears all but certain to give way to Democratic control. — Stephen Fowler, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for give way

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway