Synonyms of cede

cede

verb

ˈsēd 

1

as in to relinquish

to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress

she reluctantly ceded her position as leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquish
• surrender
• render
• deliver
• yield
• abandon
• transfer
• turn in
• resign
• give up
• lay down
• turn over
• cough up
• waive
• hand over
• entrust
• commit
• forfeit
• renounce
• discard
• release
• consign
• forsake
• shed
• desert
• abnegate
• part (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• retain
• keep
• withhold

2

as in to assign

to give over the legal possession or ownership of

Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the settlement of the Spanish-American War

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquish
• assign
• transfer
• convey
• bequeath
• lend
• donate
• dispose of
• alienate
• leave
• alien
• deed
• grant
• entrust
• rent
• will
• lease
• move
• pass (down)
• contribute
• make over
• transmit
• surrender
• confer
• pass
• present
• bestow
• loan
• commit
• commend
• yield
• deliver
• turn in
• trust
• vest
• turn over
• hand down
• release
• let
• consign
• hand over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expropriate

3

as in to abdicate

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

the President officially cedes his position on the January 20th immediately following the presidential election

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relinquish
• abdicate
• resign
• renounce
• surrender
• deny
• waive
• vacate
• abnegate
• step down (from)
• abandon
• disavow
• disclaim
• disown
• forsake
• abjure
• step aside (from)
• yield
• demit
• give up
• hand over
• desert
• quit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assume
• claim
• appropriate
• seize
• protect
• confiscate
• take over
• arrogate
• defend
• usurp
• secure
• safeguard
• guard
• wrest

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cede

Territorial Dominance When smaller birds back off from a confrontation and cede their spot at the feeder, blue jays look even more hostile. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Oct. 2026

History suggests that Democrats will gain seats, as the party in power usually cedes representation in the midterms. — Connor Greene, Time, 30 Oct. 2026

Kyiv has rejected ceding sovereign territory and insists that any agreement include enforceable security guarantees against another Russian attack. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Owners gain accountability and lower lifetime cost, but cede part of their asset for decades, so the contract deserves more scrutiny than the technology. — Stephen Farrugia, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026