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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Liberation lies in relinquishing projection, in surrendering the desire for children to mirror our priorities and accomplishments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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