resign

verb (1)

Save Word

re·sign | \ ri-ˈzīn

resigned; resigning; resigns

Definition of resign

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : relegate, consign especially : to give (oneself) over without resistance resigned herself to her fate

2 : to give up deliberately especially : to renounce (something, such as a right or position) by a formal act

intransitive verb

1 : to give up one's office or position : quit

2 : to accept something as inevitable : submit

re-sign

verb (2)

\ (ˌ)rē-ˈsīn

re-signed; re-signing; re-signs

Definition of re-sign (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to sign again especially : to rehire (someone, such as an athlete) by means of a signed contract

intransitive verb

: to sign up again

Other Words from resign Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Is it quit or resign? More Example Sentences Learn More about resign

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for resign

Verb (1)

relinquish, yield, resign, surrender, abandon, waive mean to give up completely. relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness. relinquished her crown yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force. the troops yielded ground grudgingly resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle. resigned her position surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist. surrendered their claims abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up. abandoned all hope waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion. waived the right to a trial by jury

abdicate, renounce, resign mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. abdicated the throne renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. resigned from the board

Is it quit or resign?

Should you quit or should you resign from your job? No matter which one you choose, it is likely that both of these actions will have the exact same effect on your future, as they are, in this sense, fairly synonymous. However, each is more likely to be found used in specific settings, so you may wish to choose your word with care. Resign is more formal, and will often be found when a person is describing relinquishing a position or office, especially if it is done in disgrace. While it would not be incorrect to say that a member of an organization's board, a king or queen, or a political leader "quit their position," it is more likely that the word resign would be employed.

Examples of resign in a Sentence

Verb (1) The senator was forced to resign his position. The newspaper's editor resigned after the scandal. He resigned from his job as principal of the school.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Rohner had faced pressure to resign from some of Credit Suisse’s biggest investors who were instead backing Thiam in a dispute over who was to blame for a spying scandal that has overshadowed the bank for months. — Hugo Miller, Bloomberg.com, "Credit Suisse Chairman Doesn’t Deserve Re-Election, Says Ethos," 9 Feb. 2020 At the time, that Secretary was Ryan Zinke, who hadn’t yet resigned from the position over corruption allegations. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "Emails Show DOI Falsified Fire Data for Political Ends," 7 Feb. 2020 The country drifted, eventually forcing Hailemariam to resign. — Mulugeta G Berhe (phd), Quartz Africa, "Ethiopia’s dramatic political and economic transformation has left it with deep uncertainty," 3 Feb. 2020 In late September, news broke that Kurt Volker, the United States’ special envoy for Ukraine, had resigned amid the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump. — Rainesford Stauffer, Teen Vogue, "The Future of the News Industry, According to Student Journalists," 31 Dec. 2019 Hudson notified the Quorum Court that the incumbent treasurer/collector, Judith Miller, resigned from her position effective Dec. 31 during its meeting Nov. 19. — Thomas Saccente, Arkansas Online, "Sebastian County JPs approve new treasurer/collector," 14 Dec. 2019 Former President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before the House could impeach him. — Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, "Dershowitz on Trump acquittal: 'Nobody should regard him as having been impeached'," 1 Feb. 2020 Three years after resigning, Nixon broke his silence in a series of interviews with British journalist David Frost. — Jason Silverstein, CBS News, "Nixon made the same argument Trump's defense is using now against impeachment," 30 Jan. 2020 And in February, Peralta’s Chancellor Jowel Laguerre resigned under pressure. — Nanette Asimov, SFChronicle.com, "Accreditors place troubled Peralta Community College District on probation," 30 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'resign.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.