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 Mascherano conceded that his team was outplayed in the first half. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 In the last two matchups against the Mystics in the nation’s capital, Golden State conceded big leads and had to close out the game in the closing minutes. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025 Struppa, 70, concedes that choosing administration three decades ago came with tradeoffs. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025 Arsenal recorded the best defensive record in the league last season, conceding just 34 goals—seven fewer than Liverpool did—but struggled to score, notching 69 goals while Liverpool put away 86, Man City—who finished third—put away 72, and Newcastle—who finished fifth—put away 68. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • One Amazon shopper admitted that the affordable piece exceeded their expectations and is versatile enough to pair with almost anything.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • There, the woman said she and her husband were told to stand in a hallway after they were admitted.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Facio, who also was hospitalized, succumbed to his injuries on June 8 — six days after he was shot in the face.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The men in green were dominated from the start and eventually succumbed to the pressure, unable to even cross the 100-run mark.
    Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Go Hasegawa, who is in the process of designing one of the property’s 13 vacation homes, confesses that having complete creative control has instead been a source of stress.
    Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
  • When Harry confessed that the newlyweds’ romance was inspiring to him in his own dating life, Kate reportedly cried.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Only 127 of Indiana's 351 public school districts — or 36% — submitted mandatory injury data for the statewide report.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
  • It was seemingly first posted by an Instagram account called Washingtonian Problems (@washingtonianprobs), which said it was submitted anonymously by one of its members.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When the Steelers signed the 41-year-old quarterback, everyone acknowledged that the four-time NFL MVP isn’t in his prime anymore.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Pilsen parade-goers acknowledged the fear and hesitation in these pockets of the city’s Latino communities, backing organizers’ decisions to put a hold on their events.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After allowing 18 chunk plays against Appalachian State, Charlotte surrendered just eight on Saturday night.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Later, Howard calls Matt and agrees to cut the sequence but also threatens to destroy him.
    Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • According to documents from the vote, PS agreed to a 20-year contract with the county.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concede

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!