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
Those obstructing the process, abdicating their responsibilities, or abstaining from diplomacy will have to eventually face the people.
—
Amitabh Behar, Time, 28 July 2025
Akihito abdicated in 2019, passing the throne to his eldest son, Emperor Naruhito.
—Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 July 2025
That’s despite the Dolphins and Hurricanes largely abdicating this century, with UM’s last national championship in 2001 and the Fins’ last playoff win in 2000.
—Miami Herald, 3 July 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
Amitabh Behar, Time, 28 July 2025
Akihito abdicated in 2019, passing the throne to his eldest son, Emperor Naruhito.
—Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 July 2025
That’s despite the Dolphins and Hurricanes largely abdicating this century, with UM’s last national championship in 2001 and the Fins’ last playoff win in 2000.
—Miami Herald, 3 July 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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Although Lerner later resigned, the controversy became a lasting symbol of what Republicans call the weaponization of government against ideological opponents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
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In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Keeping the agreement with Norris in mind, McLaren intervened in the situation by asking Piastri to relinquish second place to Norris.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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In May 2025, Kraft Heinz announced a strategic review aimed at unlocking shareholder value, and Berkshire Hathaway relinquished its board seats, signaling potential structural changes.—
Joe Cornell,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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Advertisement Lee also renounced any concept of gender roles, longing for full social equality regardless of gender or race.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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