Synonyms of gave way

gave way

phrase

past tense of give way

1

as in collapsed

to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure

That old chair is going to give way soon.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collapsed
• went out
• went
• crumpled
• tumbled
• gave
• yielded
• died
• buckled
• melted
• shattered
• caved (in)
• foundered
• gave out
• crumbled
• imploded
• failed
• crashed
• flattened
• burst
• broke
• snapped
• popped
• stalled
• broke down
• smashed
• split
• cracked
• melted down
• deflated
• splintered
• conked (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rose
• inflated
• swelled

2

as in withdrew

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

They were urged to give way but chose to stand their ground.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrew
• retreated
• retired
• pulled out
• fell back
• dropped back
• lost ground
• gave ground
• backed away
• fled
• receded
• evacuated
• flew
• left
• pulled away
• recoiled
• flinched
• detached
• shrank
• climbed down
• departed
• went
• bowed out
• abandoned
• vacated
• disengaged
• backed down
• quit
• chickened (out)
• backtracked
• backpedaled
• disentangled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advanced
• confronted
• dared
• faced
• bearded
• defied
• braved
• breasted
• outbraved
• brazened

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gave way

Those boos gave way to cheers when the Red Sox played a 90-second tribute video after the bottom of the first. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

The ground then gave way, sending him around 120 feet down into the creek. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

The thousands of dedicated online retailers gave way to the Amazons and eBays — companies that truly figured out how to reimagine retail using the technology rather than simply take orders on the internet. — Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

And one week later, when all Cousins did was watch from the sideline while Mendoza started and then gave way to third-stringer Aidan O'Connell in the second half, Kubiak's changing course? — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

After analyzing coprolite samples taken from over 35 sites around the world, researchers documented a clear shift in shape, size, and composition as the Ediacaran gave way to the Cambrian. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

Following the long catch and run, Mahomes gave way to the backup quarterbacks. — Pete Grathoff july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Mansions gave way to hotels and condos starting in the 1950s. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

According to residents, ongoing monsoon rains had weakened the building’s upper roof, which gave way because of poor maintenance. — ABC News, 30 July 2026