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

That was on clear display over the past week, when legislators abdicated their authority over congressional redistricting to the governor. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

King Philippe ascended the throne in 2013 at age 53 after his father, King Albert II, abdicated at 79 due to health concerns. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Accountability for public officials who have used the office for their own gain and abdicated the grave responsibilities vested in them is popular and a galvanizing political force. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026

In 2019, Japan’s 85-year-old Emperor Akihito abdicated his throne, ending his three-decade reign; his son Crown Prince Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

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