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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The 25th Amendment provides detailed procedures on what happens if a president resigns, dies in office, has a temporary disability or is no longer fit for office.—
Kirsten Matoy Carlson,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2026
-
If the president dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated, the vice president will serve as interim president for the remainder of the seven-year tenure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?—
Michael Pollan,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
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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.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
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The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abdicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicates. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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