1
as in succumbed
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surrendered
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces
the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 capitulated
At its last meeting, the FOMC capitulated and axed interest by 25 basis points, creating cheaper borrowing for consumers, businesses, and the government itself.
—
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Rather than spending millions in a relentless quest to solve the problems wrought by Coors Field, the Rockies appear to have capitulated to its whims.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
General Mills capitulated and brought back the original Trix, artificial dyes and all.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
In the final vote, all 73 Center Party parliamentarians capitulated, justifying their surrender as a necessary evil to save the party.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, Harvard hasn’t capitulated.
—Amy O’Kruk, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately, without the threat of relegation, some teams (and some owners) have capitulated completely on their teams (and perhaps the MLP concept).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
In his first five episodes, Newsom has mostly capitulated to right-wing guests, agreeing with them on issues such as trans women competing in sports and the vilification of white men.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Rather than spending millions in a relentless quest to solve the problems wrought by Coors Field, the Rockies appear to have capitulated to its whims.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
General Mills capitulated and brought back the original Trix, artificial dyes and all.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
In the final vote, all 73 Center Party parliamentarians capitulated, justifying their surrender as a necessary evil to save the party.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, Harvard hasn’t capitulated.
—Amy O’Kruk, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately, without the threat of relegation, some teams (and some owners) have capitulated completely on their teams (and perhaps the MLP concept).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
In his first five episodes, Newsom has mostly capitulated to right-wing guests, agreeing with them on issues such as trans women competing in sports and the vilification of white men.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulated
Verb
-
And Davie easily outlasted his former boss, George Entwistle, who succumbed to scandal in 54 days.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In the ignominious manner of his death, many great artists have succumbed to drugs.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Mason surrendered his iPhone and its password.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
New York surrendered multiple double-digit fourth-quarter leads this season — a cascading pattern that included a collapse in Denver and the latest loss to the Bears in Week 10.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Kinloch conceded the election in a short speech to his supporters Tuesday night.—
Corey Williams,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Sinclair, Ripley conceded, has experienced the downside of YouTube TV’s growth, including blackouts of its affiliated regional sports networks.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As of Friday, more than 200 questions had been submitted, with the deadline set for noon.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Ryder was submitted in the lead category the previous two seasons.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capitulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulated. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share