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 House District 70 seat is vacant after Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, resigned to become executive director of Arkansas PBS.—
Ella McCarthy,
Arkansas Online,
31 Oct. 2025
-
As the regulatory approval for the Skydance-Paramount merger was pending earlier this year, 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned, saying he was no longer allowed to make independent decisions about the show.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
His ex-wife reverted to her maiden name earlier this month when Andrew relinquished the use of his royal titles, including Duke of York.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abdicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicated. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share