as in resigned
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 abdicated
The last time this protocol was used was when Edward VIII abdicated in 1936.
—
Max Foster, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Traditional media often abdicated those communities.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Philippe's grandfather, King Leopold III, also abdicated in 1951 amid a political crisis in an effort to safeguard the monarchy.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
—Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
The federal government has functionally abdicated its role in keeping Americans safe from dangerous illness.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Why had Congress abdicated its power to set tariffs?
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 25 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
Max Foster, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Traditional media often abdicated those communities.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Philippe's grandfather, King Leopold III, also abdicated in 1951 amid a political crisis in an effort to safeguard the monarchy.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
—Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
The federal government has functionally abdicated its role in keeping Americans safe from dangerous illness.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Why had Congress abdicated its power to set tariffs?
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 25 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicated
Verb
-
The corporation, which will set out its position on Monday, has also been clear that Davie and Turness resigned and were not fired.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
-
London — Two top leaders at the BBC resigned on Sunday amid an escalating scandal over impartiality and bias that plunged Britain’s public broadcaster into one of its biggest crises in recent years.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Though Judge and Simon were legally granted equal custody of their three children upon their split, Judge relinquished custody of Sidney to Simon after their daughter opted to live with him full time.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Georgia Tech led 17-14 before the Wolfpack’s Cody Hardy scored his second touchdown of the first half, and NC State (5-4, 2-3) never relinquished the lead from there.—
Manny Navarro,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abdicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicated. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share