Thesaurus

abandon

Q: How is the word 'abandon' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abandon are relinquish , resign , surrender , waive , and yield . While all these words mean "to give up completely," abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up. // abandoned all hope

Q: When might 'relinquish' be a better fit than 'abandon'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abandon , relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness. // relinquished her crown

Q: When can 'resign' be used instead of 'abandon'?

The words resign and abandon can be used in similar contexts, but resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle. // resigned her position

Q: When is it sensible to use 'surrender' instead of 'abandon'?

The words surrender and abandon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist. // surrendered their claims

Q: Where would 'waive' be a reasonable alternative to 'abandon'?

The meanings of waive and abandon largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion. // waived the right to a trial by jury

Q: In what contexts can 'yield' take the place of 'abandon'?

In some situations, the words yield and abandon are roughly equivalent. However, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force. // the troops yielded ground grudgingly

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of abandon

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly

more than ready to abandon himself to a life of complete idleness for the duration of his vacation

Synonyms for abandon

Words Related to abandon

overdo,
overindulge

Near Antonyms for abandon

Antonyms for abandon

deny

2 to cause to remain behind

abandoned the group that he had been hiking with and struck out on his own

Synonyms for abandon

Words Related to abandon

sacrifice

distance

Phrases Synonymous with abandon

Near Antonyms for abandon

Antonyms for abandon

reclaim

3 to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to)

the bad weather forced NASA to abandon the launch

Synonyms for abandon

Words Related to abandon

Near Antonyms for abandon

Antonyms for abandon

continue,
keep

4 to stop doing (something) permanently

marriage customs that were abandoned decades ago

Synonyms for abandon

Words Related to abandon

pause,
taper off

throw up

Phrases Synonymous with abandon

Near Antonyms for abandon

go,
run on

follow through (with)

preserve,
stay

Antonyms for abandon

abandon

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of abandon (Entry 2 of 2)

carefree freedom from constraint

added spices to the stew with complete abandon

Synonyms for abandon

Words Related to abandon

unself-consciousness

Near Antonyms for abandon

Antonyms for abandon

Frequently Asked Questions About abandon

How is the word abandon different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abandon are relinquish, resign, surrender, waive, and yield. While all these words mean "to give up completely," abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up.

abandoned all hope

When might relinquish be a better fit than abandon?

While in some cases nearly identical to abandon, relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness.

relinquished her crown

When can resign be used instead of abandon?

The words resign and abandon can be used in similar contexts, but resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle.

resigned her position

When is it sensible to use surrender instead of abandon?

The words surrender and abandon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist.

surrendered their claims