Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capitulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capitulate are defer, relent, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.

officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

When would defer be a good substitute for capitulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate, defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another.

I defer to your expertise in these matters

When is it sensible to use relent instead of capitulate?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

When can submit be used instead of capitulate?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.

a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

When could succumb be used to replace capitulate?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.

a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

When is yield a more appropriate choice than capitulate?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. However, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of capitulate Harvard has sued in response, while Columbia capitulated to avoid losing $400 million. Scott White, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 This divisiveness speaks, in part, to the band’s abiding disinterest in capitulating to the Zeitgeist. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Unimpressed by the film, and colored by the history of movie merchandising to that point, the studio capitulated to his demands. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 Because the owner of that newspaper is capitulating to this autocrat. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
Verb
  • Over time, the dead spacecraft succumbed to aerodynamic drag, slowly losing altitude before dipping deeper into the atmosphere in recent weeks.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
  • These are songs from a band that has not yet succumbed.
    Armond White, National Review, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Despite peppering Providence goaltender Michael DiPietro with 40 shots while surrendering just 19, the Checkers fell 3-2 in Game 3 of their AHL Atlantic Division semifinal series.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • Cardinals must surrender all electronic devices, and the Sistine Chapel is placed under full lockdown.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Payments for each device are capped at $20, but claimants may receive less depending on the total number of claims submitted.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Marketers looking to showcase their latest products can submit them for consideration by completing this form.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to Variety during the Cannes Film Festival, Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of Creative Greece, concedes that there have been bureaucratic challenges since the organization’s launch.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Now, after dispute the accuracy of the video for several months, the defense concedes that the footage is disturbing as an example of domestic violence.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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