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 is also addressed within Article 5 of UEFA’s regulations, explaining how the club ranked highest in its domestic championship may be admitted.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The complaint said Kirkwood admitted buying Markwood alcohol.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • In the coldest regions of its hardiness zone, plants can succumb to winter dieback during unusually harsh winters but generally recover well with new growth.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
  • Test cricket’s older generation is succumbing to Father Time.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • Marketers looking to showcase their latest products can submit them for consideration by completing this form.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Without mentioning Means by name, Adams outlined his position in a May 22 post on X. Adams acknowledged that no explicit federal law mandates the surgeon general be a licensed physician.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • He is widely acknowledged as the Warriors’ key defender, renowned for his on-court communication with teammates and his ability to predict opponents’ tendencies several steps ahead of time.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The chilling exchange was part of a series of radio transmissions between Russian forces that Ukrainian officials say provide further evidence that Russian superiors are ordering soldiers to execute surrendering Ukrainian troops in violation of international law.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
  • In many prison camps, the lowest level of security in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), cell phones are so prevalent that those who recently surrender can have one within days of arriving on the compound.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • Hamas released an Israeli-American hostage last week, and the Houthis agreed to stop firing at American ships in the Red Sea while pledging to continue fighting Israel.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 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 27 May. 2025.

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