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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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
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The Shakespearean classic focuses on Macbeth, a Scottish general who makes his prophecy of becoming king a reality but then succumbs to madness.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
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Her sexuality is a source of conflict for her family, and the pressure leads to the painful breakup with her girlfriend, Rosie (Jess Gabor), who succumbs to family expectations.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But Trump on Friday said that the United States wouldn’t end the war until Iran surrenders unconditionally.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
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Andrew surrenders his Duke of York title.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Each year, the task force submits a report to Congress outlining gaps in research and highlighting areas where more focus is needed.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
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Will biannual bombing campaigns be employed until Iran submits to American demands?—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Although Art Recognition has collaborated with institutions like the Kunsthaus Zürich, Popovici concedes that galleries have little incentive to embrace technology that might cast doubt over their collections.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
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Sam, a food stylist, concedes that being in a wealthy suburban enclave may have led her to be a little more brash than usual.—
Nora DeLigter,
Curbed,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Capitulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulates. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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