consent 1 of 2

consent

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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
Zambada’s kidnapping had shown that the U.S. was willing to pursue its objectives without Mexico’s consent. Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 To modify most settings, kids need parental consent. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
Also, young kids usually don't consent to parents sharing videos of them online, points out Dr. Lilit, adding that a child’s privacy is also being violated. Melissa Willets, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025 As the largest private landowner in the checkerboard area, the local ranching group consented to the presence of up to 500 horses when the HMAs were first established. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consent
Noun
  • Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton's father.
    Nicole Briese, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Hunter will wear No. 12 and Ward was given permission to wear No. 1 by legendary Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon.
    Brooks Peck, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Seth P. Waxman, a solicitor general for the Clinton administration, initially refused, but eventually assented after further criticism from Judge Reyes.
    Chris Cameron, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • China has built Russia’s defense industrial base, helped Iran provide Russia with one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, and assented as North Korea has sent troops to fight in Europe.
    Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Universities and the government use the database to track foreign students and students rely on it for their authorization to remain in the country.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Synthetic Food Dyes to Be Phased Out The FDA plans to revoke authorization of two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the next few months.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Despite their differences, all agree on one thing: America's plummeting birthrate is a major problem, and, unless something changes, society may be doomed.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Leonard agreed to testify as an expert witness, and warned in the filing that the Trump administration's blanket suspension of clearances held by Perkins Coie employees was reminiscent of programs from the 1950s, including during the Red Scare.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consent

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