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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate
Verb
  • Rosselló would resign his post that same year, but the friendship between the two musicians has endured.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Deb Hall Lefevre, the CTO at Starbucks since 2022, has reportedly resigned according to Reuters, which has seen an internal memo sent to corporate staff on Monday.
    John Kell, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This act was the NCAA requirement the players relinquished control over their publicity rights as a condition of eligibility.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Rahm holed the shot with precious little green to work with to take a lead in the match that the Spaniard and his cherished partner, Tyrrell Hatton, never relinquished.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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