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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
Zoberg’s motion argues that Danza, who manages Boca Holdings, should be required to withdraw his consent for Lennar’s development application. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 Staff had been using full bed rails as restraints on two residents without consent, a November 2021 complaint said. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
The commissioners representing the Hawaiian Government have consented to leave to the future and to the just and benevolent purposes of the United States the adjustment of all such questions. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026 View gallery - 3 images At a recent doctor's appointment, I was asked to consent to an artificial intelligence assistant listening to my consultation. New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consent
Noun
  • The mini mart gave permission to The Original Goodie Shop bakery in Upper Arlington to use its logo on a signature cookie, with $1 from each one sold going to support Beaver's legal fees.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Tracey Bogan said in a January lawsuit that her horse Kodak suffered an eye injury at Reform Stables in Charlotte when Desmon Moore, who runs the boarding and equine event business, rode him without permission last Christmas.
    Amber Gaudet Updated August 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 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
  • Alongside earnings back in May, Nvidia announced an $80 billion buyback authorization and a quarterly dividend increase to 25 cents per share from 1 cent.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The authorization vote does not mean educators will begin striking yet.
    Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to restore safer passage through the strait.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No one else on earth could get those two to agree on anything, but that’s the power of Dolly Parton.
    Hunter Kelly, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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