Synonyms of abdicating

abdicating

verb

present participle of abdicate

as in relinquishing

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquishing
• resigning
• renouncing
• ceding
• denying
• surrendering
• abnegating
• vacating
• abandoning
• stepping down (from)
• waiving
• disowning
• disavowing
• forsaking
• disclaiming
• stepping aside (from)
• abjuring
• deserting
• demitting
• yielding
• giving up
• handing over
• quitting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assuming
• claiming
• appropriating
• protecting
• seizing
• arrogating
• confiscating
• defending
• usurping
• taking over
• securing
• safeguarding
• guarding
• wresting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abdicating

Despite everything, Harald never considered abdicating the throne. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

This is what the impeachment process was designed for, to remove public officials abdicating their responsibilities. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026

They’d be upset about Article One of the Constitution, the legislative branch abdicating its powers; that is, the people’s power to wage war and to levy tariffs. — Ken Burns, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

Dinello was right, and The Late Show eventually became late night’s ratings leader—a throne that CBS is now voluntarily abdicating. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026

Congress abdicating its authority. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

In its most hostile version, the same qualities are recast as evidence of his succumbing to spectacle and abdicating basic architectural responsibility. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Democratic leaders have accused Congress of abdicating its constitutional role, and some members plan to boycott the address or attend in silent protest. — Nik Popli, Time, 23 Feb. 2026

The United States, in other words, is not just abdicating its role in the current international system. — Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025