as in to resign
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
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Recent Examples of abdicate
The federal government has functionally abdicated its role in keeping Americans safe from dangerous illness.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
This isn't about abdicating responsibility.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, however, Trump’s allies in Congress have almost wholly abdicated this role, and although lower courts have issued injunctions against some of the administration’s actions and policies, the Supreme Court has repeatedly found ways to expand executive power.
—Michael Johnston, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abdicate
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
This isn't about abdicating responsibility.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, however, Trump’s allies in Congress have almost wholly abdicated this role, and although lower courts have issued injunctions against some of the administration’s actions and policies, the Supreme Court has repeatedly found ways to expand executive power.
—Michael Johnston, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abdicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate
Verb
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That figure, already the highest on record, is expected to be eclipsed in 2025 as the focus on CEO accountability intensifies, with 25 CEOs resigning year to date after coming under activist pressure, with 20% of the departures occurring at S&P 500 companies.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
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Fix needed, fast If Lecornu’s efforts over the next few hours fail, Macron will be faced with the choice of appointing a new PM, dissolving parliament and calling fresh parliamentary elections, or resigning.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Liberation lies in relinquishing projection, in surrendering the desire for children to mirror our priorities and accomplishments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Oct. 2025
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For decades after that, most parents who relinquished infants for adoption did not expect to see or hear from those children again.—
Nicole Chung,
The Atlantic,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hamas fighters who renounce fighting and wish to remain in Gaza will be granted amnesty, while others can take advantage of safe passage to third countries.—
Laura Kelly,
The Hill,
3 Oct. 2025
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The term describes the conscious decision to avoid or renounce managerial roles in order to preserve mental health, maintain balance and prioritize meaningful work.—
Jose Luis Gonzalez Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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