consent 1 of 2

Definition of consentnext

consent

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word consent distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of consent are accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When could accede be used to replace consent?

In some situations, the words accede and consent are roughly equivalent. However, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When would acquiesce be a good substitute for consent?

The words acquiesce and consent can be used in similar contexts, but acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Where would agree be a reasonable alternative to consent?

While the synonyms agree and consent are close in meaning, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When might assent be a better fit than consent?

The synonyms assent and consent are sometimes interchangeable, but assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When can subscribe be used instead of consent?

The words subscribe and consent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

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 consent
Noun
But these employees later learned that their forms had been switched to hybrid without their consent. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 The company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $306,426, according to a consent agreement. Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
Others commented on the post, asking about whether the patient had consented to the action while some asked whether Kennedy Jr. carried out the correct hygiene procedures. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026 To appear on the cover of a magazine or a tabloid via a licensed photo was one thing; to pose for a cover shoot and presumably consent to an interview with John was another. Caroline Hallemann, Vanity Fair, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for consent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consent
Noun
  • Since then, the IRGC has charged tolls on ships granted permission and attacked any that tried to cross unauthorized.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 June 2026
  • But North Carolina is a Dillon Rule state, meaning Charlotte can only pass policies if the state has given it explicit permission to do so.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Switzerland voted to enshrine the availability of cash in its constitution, assenting to a push designed to guard against the demise of physical money.
    Bastian Benrath-Wright, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Moderna resisted, but agreed to provide test subjects with enhanced disclosures on its informed consent form, to which the FDA assented.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fireworks set off without authorization in Rome reportedly triggered a mass stampede of frightened horses during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s annual Republic Day parade, injuring multiple riders and animals.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • Citigroup Top pick Citigroup is up 67% over the past 12 months with more room to run, Bank of America said after CEO Jane Fraser's investor day earlier this month, which included news of a $30 billion buyback authorization.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Cheng agreed, emphasizing the point during his opening keynote appearance, citing copyright concerns in part.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 May 2026
  • The Commanders made a change at offensive coordinator after mutually agreeing to part ways with Kliff Kingsbury.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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