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

In the years leading up to the 2015 homicide spike, the prescription opioid crisis gave way to the illicit opioid crisis. — James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

As morning rain gave way to a humid afternoon in Jammu, India, the city’s historic train station came to life with the familiar bustle of a South Asian transit hub. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026

In Aubervilliers, a Paris suburb, the doors gave way under the pressure of the crowd, and fights broke out among shoppers. — CNN Money, 7 July 2026

On Day 4, one of tennis’ more familiar rules took hold, American hopes were set for the July 4 weekend and the upsets of last year gave way to chalk. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Local resident Mohammad Tahir said neighbors were the first to respond after the roof gave way. — ABC News, 1 July 2026