1
as in succumbs
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 surrenders
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 capitulates
Pythons are constrictors, known to grip prey in their jaws, coil around it, then squeeze until the victim capitulates.
—
Mark Price, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
Mark Price, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulates
Verb
-
And when that fish, in turn, succumbs to the claws of a bald eagle, its DDT dense meat becomes a poisonous lunch for an oblivious bird.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The community's willingness to proactively strengthen its economic foundations today will determine whether crypto fulfills its promise as robust, trusted global infrastructure, or succumbs when faced with inevitable systemic stress.—
Mark R. Weaver,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Henry then surrenders his phone, and Tony tosses it into the air for Ziva to blast to pieces.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As for goalkeepers, Luis Llopis — the goalkeeping coach who previously worked with Zinedine Zidane and was brought back when Carlo Ancelotti returned in 2021 — regularly submits reports on options, but none of them have been given serious consideration due to the squad’s situation.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In 2025, the average candidate submits 42 applications just to get one interview, and only about 3% of applicants make it to that stage.—
Jill Schulman,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Piastri concedes and gives the place back.—
Rob Reed,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Even so, Whiddett concedes that bespoke remains the bigger prize.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capitulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulates. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share