as in resigns
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
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Recent Examples of abdicates
When the state abdicates its duty, the people must step in.
—
William Morris,
Des Moines Register,
17 Mar. 2026
When the federal government abdicates its responsibility for public health, states, localities, and communities of experts can still try to fill the void.
—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
When in a turn of events, Theo abdicates from his position as Duke of Tintagel, and would therefore be divorcing Nan to be with Lizzie, Nan runs away to protect her baby, who would be the heir of Tintagel.
—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
William Morris,
Des Moines Register,
17 Mar. 2026
When the federal government abdicates its responsibility for public health, states, localities, and communities of experts can still try to fill the void.
—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
When in a turn of events, Theo abdicates from his position as Duke of Tintagel, and would therefore be divorcing Nan to be with Lizzie, Nan runs away to protect her baby, who would be the heir of Tintagel.
—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicates
Verb
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If the sitting governor dies, resigns or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor would assume the role.
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But the rare situation of selecting an acting mayor in April 2027 will only commence if Biss resigns in time to trigger the special election.
Verb
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Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?
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If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.
Verb
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Japan has recently taken steps to expand its defense posture, including lifting its ban on lethal arms exports and mulling changes to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war and the maintenance of armed forces.
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Miami will have the ability to use multiple sizable salary cap exceptions if Wiggins opts out or if Wiggins stays but Miami renounces Powell, which remove his cap hold and eliminate his Bird rights.
Cite this Entry
“Abdicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicates. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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