Synonym Chooser

How does the verb concede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concede are accord, award, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can accord take the place of concede?

The synonyms accord and concede are sometimes interchangeable, but accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can award be used instead of concede?

In some situations, the words award and concede are roughly equivalent. However, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is it sensible to use grant instead of concede?

The meanings of grant and concede largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

When could vouchsafe be used to replace concede?

The words vouchsafe and concede can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 concede Even fans of limited government concede that government has a legitimate role in mitigating fraud and rectifying true market failures. Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Prediction: Minnesota has scored at least three goals in its past two MLS matches, and Houston is 22nd in the league with 1.6 goals conceded per match. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 After starting the season with strong defensive performances, the men in pink have conceded 14 goals over the past five games and are heading into a Wednesday game on the road against a San Jose Earthquakes team that leads the league with 26 goals. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 May 2025 Arteta’s team conceded from a long throw and a corner against Bournemouth. James McNicholas, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for concede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • This marks the second time within four weeks that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responding to the Herald’s questions, admitted that the body cam footage from two officers watching over boat operator George Pino was deleted.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • The outlet asked if the screening process had changed over the years, and Cohen admitted that the network was stricter on their background checks.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Over time, the dead spacecraft succumbed to aerodynamic drag, slowly losing altitude before dipping deeper into the atmosphere in recent weeks.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
  • Without succumbing to a sappy ending, Reza makes a strong case for valuing relationships over intellectual homogeneity — an outlook that can feel either naïve or hopeful in polarizing times.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Eddie Cicotte Another member of the disgraced 1919 White Sox, Cicotte confessed to participating in the scheme to fix the World Series.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • In 1989, Erik confessed to his psychologist, whose mistress later reported it to the police.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Payments for each device are capped at $20, but claimants may receive less depending on the total number of claims submitted.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • These aren't the first lawyers caught submitting briefs with fake citations generated by AI.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Left-handedness and certain neurological disorders could go hand-in-hand, a new study revealed, though the researchers and others acknowledged potential limitations.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
  • In contrast, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the U.S. and took to social media to express gratitude to Trump.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Despite peppering Providence goaltender Michael DiPietro with 40 shots while surrendering just 19, the Checkers fell 3-2 in Game 3 of their AHL Atlantic Division semifinal series.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • Cardinals must surrender all electronic devices, and the Sistine Chapel is placed under full lockdown.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Russia and Ukraine agreed to a prisoner swap May 16 in Istanbul during their first in person talks in 3 years.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • This told us whether the pan could handle what our editors agreed was a typical amount of meat for a casual weeknight dinner.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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