relent

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relent are capitulate, defer, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

When is capitulate a more appropriate choice than relent?

The meanings of capitulate and relent largely overlap; however, capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.

officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to relent?

Although the words defer and relent have much in common, defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another.

I defer to your expertise in these matters

When can submit be used instead of relent?

In some situations, the words submit and relent are roughly equivalent. However, submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.

a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

When is it sensible to use succumb instead of relent?

While in some cases nearly identical to relent, succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.

a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

When would yield be a good substitute for relent?

While the synonyms yield and relent are close in meaning, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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 relent The Senate is expected to vote on the same bill again on Wednesday, with more votes to come through the rest of the week and into the weekend until either a deal is struck or Democrats relent. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 But the issue is that Newcastle’s schedule does not relent. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Advertisement Neither side has shown signs of relenting. Nik Popli, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 Pushback by viewers in Sinclair and Nexstar’s ABC markets, and the perception that the companies are kowtowing to the FCC chairman’s anti-liberal ideology, could be a factor to lead the companies to relent. Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • Due to their high metabolism and sensitive respiratory system, these small, yellow songbirds succumbed to the invisible, odorless gas much faster than humans.
    Big Think, Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Shalanda Williams, 43, succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital, according to the MPD news release.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By day 10, my entire nervous system was hijacked—every fiber of my being was at ease, and all cravings subsided.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Their base case assumes that recovery will resume once uncertainty subsides.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Online votes can be adjusted during the window; SMS votes are final once submitted.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • O’Connell has submitted a supplemental budget to the Metro Council for review, since the new sales tax funds weren’t anticipated in the original fiscal year 2025 budget.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their underlying numbers are equally compelling, conceding just five big chances on their goal.
    Holly Shand, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The doc feature records a news report on Taj Erlander, Swedish prime minister during much of Wallenberg’s imprisonment, admitting as much, conceding that his government had failed one of its greatest citizens by not pressing hard for his release.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a recent speech, Kim urged Washington to drop its demand for the North to surrender its nukes as a precondition for resuming diplomacy.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The 82 total yards the Broncos surrendered Sunday?
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Continue reading … DEMS DIG IN – Federal workers face mass firings as Democrats refuse to budge on shutdown battle.
    , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The stock hasn’t budged since December 2021, while the S & P 500 climbed more than 40%.
    Adrian van Hauwermeiren, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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