as in relinquishing
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 abdicating
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
After all, Perfidia explodes other archetypes, too—for instance, abdicating her roles as a mother and romantic partner to continue her work.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
And if that’s true, what would prohibit Congress from just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce, for that matter, declare war, to the president.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Far from abdicating responsibility, these young adults were embracing it and moving, however slowly, into their future roles of caring for us.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
In June, the King spoke about the possibility of abdicating to make way for his daughter.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
This isn't about abdicating responsibility.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
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
After all, Perfidia explodes other archetypes, too—for instance, abdicating her roles as a mother and romantic partner to continue her work.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
And if that’s true, what would prohibit Congress from just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce, for that matter, declare war, to the president.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Far from abdicating responsibility, these young adults were embracing it and moving, however slowly, into their future roles of caring for us.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
In June, the King spoke about the possibility of abdicating to make way for his daughter.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
This isn't about abdicating responsibility.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicating
Verb
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Payton relinquishing the duties deserves praise.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
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Riley was the head coach and team president for the Heat’s first NBA championship in 2006 before relinquishing those duties to Erik Spoelstra in 2008.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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So some time has passed since Claire almost died of a gunshot wound and Jamie taught us all that resigning from the Army by way of a note written in your wife’s blood is a viable option.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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Her mother, Katie Hensle, spent nine years as the head coach of the Chaparrals, compiling a record of 209-99 before resigning in February 2022.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This all comes after reports that Andrew is considering renouncing his spot in the line of succession in order to avoid jail time.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
3 Mar. 2026
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Its roots are in publicly paying penance for serious sins or crimes in the eyes of the church, like adultery or apostasy, which means renouncing the church and its beliefs.—
Lianna Norman,
Florida Times-Union,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abdicating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicating. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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