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
User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 3 June 2026 Elián’s father, Juan Miguel González, had not consented to the departure. Jeffery M. Leving, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 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
  • Her mother reluctantly assented, so long as Carol went with her.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Well, this was a controversial authorization.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • Administration officials previously have argued that the War Powers Act, which requires congressional authorization for military action lasting more than 60 days, doesn’t apply to Iran because of the ceasefire.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • In White Mana’s case, the diner’s rise from fair exhibit to real restaurant has brought nationwide attention over the years, but most reviewers agree that its burger cooked over a bed of onions lives up to the hype.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Snipes agrees, adding that in his area, yuzu trees infested with Asian citrus psyllid must be cut down to combat it.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on consent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster