Synonyms of abdicate

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt 

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resign
• relinquish
• renounce
• cede
• surrender
• deny
• abnegate
• vacate
• waive
• step down (from)
• abandon
• disavow
• abjure
• forsake
• disown
• disclaim
• step aside (from)
• demit
• yield
• give up
• hand over
• quit
• desert

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assume
• claim
• appropriate
• seize
• protect
• confiscate
• arrogate
• take over
• defend
• usurp
• secure
• safeguard
• guard
• wrest

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abdicate

Even if the United States abdicates its traditional enforcement role, other key powers that benefit from the relative peace the norm enables could step in. —Tanisha M. Fazal, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2025

However, a blanket policy abdicating any enforcement responsibility could be challenged in lawsuits as arbitrary and capricious. —Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025

Grand Duke Henri is set to abdicate in October this year, to hand over the throne to his son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, after nearly 25 years as monarch. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

However, Congress has abdicated much of this responsibility over time, either through legislation or neglect; both parties and all branches are guilty. —Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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