resign

verb (1)

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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

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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 Cuomo, who last year initially won national praise from Democrats and the media for his efforts battling the pandemic, is now facing possible impeachment as well as a growing chorus of calls from Republicans as well as Democrats to resign. — Paul Steinhauser, Fox News, "Gunning for Cuomo, Lee Zeldin rakes in big bucks on Day One," 9 Apr. 2021 The Virginia governor faced widespread calls to resign, including from top national figures within his own party. — Emily Brooks, Washington Examiner, "Terry McAuliffe touts Ralph Northam endorsement two years after calling for resignation over blackface photo," 8 Apr. 2021 News of Warriors president Rick Welts’ decision to resign at the end of the season raises a key question: Who will replace a Hall of Famer who was a driving force behind Golden State becoming a thriving business? — Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, "Rick Welts' replacement faces daunting task with Warriors," 8 Apr. 2021 Rather than being hailed as a hero, Matovic soon faced mounting pressure to resign amid a mass exodus of top government officials. — Washington Post, "Slovakia’s prime minister is the first world leader to step down over covid controversy," 29 Mar. 2021 Cuomo has resisted calls from the New York congressional delegation and local lawmakers to resign. — Marlene Lenthang, ABC News, "Report says aides to Gov. Andrew Cuomo sought to discredit one of his accusers," 19 Mar. 2021 Colin Huang's decision to resign as chairman wasn't a complete surprise. — Laura He, CNN, "Pinduoduo's founder leaves as his Chinese e-commerce giant grows bigger than ever," 18 Mar. 2021 Cuomo has faced mounting calls to resign as seven women have stepped forward with allegations against the governor, and more have alleged a broader workplace culture that’s made women uncomfortable. — Alison Durkee, Forbes, "N.Y. Lawmakers Name Law Firm For Cuomo Impeachment As Inquiry Moves Forward," 17 Mar. 2021 Cuomo is facing increasing pressure to resign, and state lawmakers have launched an impeachment investigation into the allegations against him. — Victoria Albert, CBS News, "Cuomo accuser met with investigators for over 4 hours and shared more than 120 pages of documents, lawyer says," 16 Mar. 2021

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.