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Definition of consentnext

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
As search data like Feel30’s exposes just how many patients are confused about discontinuation, expect state medical boards and payers to begin asking harder questions about informed consent, tapering documentation and provider supervision. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 That could create an unusual situation in which an ordinary consumer turns on a feature built into a mainstream device and, at least technically, runs afoul of state law by using it during a private conversation without everyone's consent. — Mackenzie Sigalos,annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
In an exchange captured by the officer’s body camera footage, one school administrator said that the girl’s mother had consented to the use of handcuffs on her daughter. — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Parents must consent to their children’s use of social media, and this consent would be retractable. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consent
Noun
  • Some cultures clean graves as a regular ritual Abrams agreed that proper cleaning, as well as permission from cemeteries, are crucial before setting out to clean a grave.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The files were later released online and made available on streaming platforms without Mathers' permission or knowledge.
    — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • False endorsement and misappropriation, FanDuel could insist, are inapplicable to a personalized video setting where the video’s talent voluntarily assents in exchange for compensation.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Their mothers assented because anything the cousins did together could be considered family time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The deal, however, remains subject to congressional authorization and appropriations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Endeavor nurses needed at least 30% of potential bargaining unit members to sign union authorization cards to file the election petition with the National Labor Relations Board.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a case about the role race plays in middle school admissions, three years after a majority on the high court struck down affirmative action in college.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Most experts now agree that eggs are nutritionally valuable foods that can absolutely have a place in a healthy diet.
    — Laura Solla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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