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

After her son Edward abdicated the throne, his brother (Elizabeth’s father) became King George VI. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Wasserman Schultz’s decision to abdicate her former District, 25, which was split into five, and run in the adjacent deep-blue district, angered Black Democrats and frustrated party leadership. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, tried to bring what was seen as an aloof monarchy closer to the people, an example followed by his son, Naruhito, and his family. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

This is what the impeachment process was designed for, to remove public officials abdicating their responsibilities. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

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