GAVE UP Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

gave up

verb

past tense of give up

as in relinquished

to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress was in so much debt he had to give up his house and move into a cheaper apartment

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as in abandoned

to stop doing (something) permanently I hope you won't give up playing the piano

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as in succumbed

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces with the prospect of a renewed enemy attack, the regiment decided to simply give up

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as in indulged

to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly even in the darkest days of her troubled marriage, she refused to give herself up to feelings of utter hopelessness

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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 gave up Looking for his first win in seven starts, Twins starter Taj Bradley gave up two hits and one run in five innings while striking out seven. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 The move comes after Díaz gave up nine runs and recorded three blown saves in a span of six appearances. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Harry and Meghan gave up their royal duties and moved to California more than six years ago to earn their living through lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify. — Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Nuñez gave up a home run to Mike Yastrzemski in the seventh, and Austin Riley followed with one of his own, ultimately dooming the Mets. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Bears went from 25th in the league in rushing to third last season and gave up just 24 sacks after allowing a league-worst 68 the season before. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gave up

Verb

There have been small changes to the ownership structures of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the last decade but without control ever being relinquished.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
While Russia has relinquished some control of the area to China following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia still plays a key role in Chinese shipping vessels’ passage through the route.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of relinquished

Verb

There’s no need to theorize about what happened here because the obvious answer is Bret Easton Ellis signed off on the first two episodes and then abandoned the adaptation.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Back in 2014, a Ukraine defense ministry spokesperson told CNN that the Zaporizhzhia had been taken over and placed under the flag of the Russian naval fleet when its commander abandoned it.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of abandoned

Verb

In Salzburg, Dudamel indulged the Vienna Philharmonic’s incomparable lushness, those plush strings, glowing winds, golden brass, voluminous timpani.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Night Seven indulged Bon Jovi’s love for sports, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and tennis legend John McEnroe mingling backstage.

— Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Definition of indulged

Verb

The suspect surrendered to officers in a home's driveway, and he was taken into custody.

— Julie Sharp, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Washington Capitals Despite barely even being a functional hockey team for the first decade or so of their existence, the Caps have only surrendered one three-point debut in their history, and that one came on opening night in 2000.

— Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of surrendered

Verb

Mixed Pro Doubles Recap Roos van Reek & Jack Munro stayed out of trouble and avoided the early knockout round upsets that be felled many of the other top seeds to claim the Mixed title and guarantee the double-double for themselves on the weekend.

— Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
The storm felled trees and power lines and caused serious flooding that swept some 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island, authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of fell

Verb

In practice, puzzling choices by curators Klaus Biesenbach and Maike Steinkamp rendered the experiment fraught in places.

— Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
They might be rendered obsolete in a few years, especially with breakthroughs in technology like drones of various sizes and capabilities.

— Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026