Synonyms of abdicate

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt 

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resign
• relinquish
• renounce
• cede
• surrender
• deny
• abnegate
• vacate
• waive
• step down (from)
• abandon
• disavow
• abjure
• forsake
• disown
• disclaim
• step aside (from)
• demit
• yield
• give up
• hand over
• quit
• desert

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assume
• claim
• appropriate
• seize
• protect
• confiscate
• arrogate
• take over
• defend
• usurp
• secure
• safeguard
• guard
• wrest

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words 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

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abdicate

Voluntary abdication has a precedent in Belgium: King Philippe ascended the throne in 2013 at age 53 after his father, King Albert II, abdicated at 79 due to health concerns. —Janine Henni, People.com, 18 June 2025

And shame on the news media for abdicating their responsibility to amplify the truth. —Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025

Davis said the township is abdicating its responsibility to remove the dogs from the neighborhood by placing blame squarely on the dog warden. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

The disuse of clemency means that a succession of governors abdicated their ancient power to correct miscarriages of justice and temper justice with mercy, which Florida courts don’t do well. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025

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