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
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
The Fed Chair at the time capitulated, a move that helped trigger the decade’s hyperinflation.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 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
Instead, United capitulated, turning in what remains the worst defeat of Farke’s tenure.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Prisons suffer from staffing woes New York capitulated in its efforts to provide adequate staffing at its prisons.
—Peter Cordi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
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
The Fed Chair at the time capitulated, a move that helped trigger the decade’s hyperinflation.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 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
Instead, United capitulated, turning in what remains the worst defeat of Farke’s tenure.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Prisons suffer from staffing woes New York capitulated in its efforts to provide adequate staffing at its prisons.
—Peter Cordi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulated
Verb
-
City succumbed too meekly given their spine included Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri and Haaland at the end of the match.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Over the past decade, as much of the world has become more chaotic and succumbed to nationalism, protectionism, and illiberalism, Japan has been a force for maintaining the stability of the international order.—
Mireya Solís,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Edwin Perez, 26, eventually surrendered to law enforcement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Mets starter David Peterson surrendered eight runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out one over just two innings.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
During the family dinner that concludes episode 1 of Back to Reality, Chase conceded to Savannah's hard work.—
Ryan Coleman September 2,
EW.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Mascherano conceded that his team was outplayed in the first half.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sweepstakes entries can be submitted via the brand's website, with no purchase necessary.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Should Manas be chosen as Brazil’s official Academy Award submission, Brennand would be only the third woman whose film has ever been submitted, for the category, and if nominated, the first Brazilian woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The film bowed at Cannes Critics’ Week this year and won the Grand Prize.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Hisahito bowed deeply and thanked the Emperor for the crown and his parents for hosting the ceremony and pledged to fulfil his responsibility as a royal member.—
Mari Yamaguchi,
Twin Cities,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capitulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulated. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share