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 When utilities and grid operators push back, FERC generally relents. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 Advertisement In 1959, after a year of pressure from the Women’s Emergency Committee to Reopen Our Schools and a federal court order, Faubus relented and Little Rock’s public high schools reopened. Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Someone came up with a fix, and the Japanese eventually relented. Henry Larson, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 One partner relents to the other’s wishes, without presenting their own needs and wants. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • Bin Laden outlasted Bellevue, too, before succumbing.
    Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There have been moments where Marr and Morrissey nearly succumbed to the pressure.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The big number arrives, characters emote, high notes ring and ring and ring again … and the aria subsides unmemorably, without leaving the ozone tang that signals a bolt of musical lightning.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Herro received platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, but the discomfort never subsided and surgery was deemed necessary to avoid more issues down the road.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Both sides will submit fuller legal arguments and the Department of Homeland Security may be ordered to produce its internal decision record.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Residents of Los Angeles County must submit an application to the LACSD.
    Max Rego, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Zeldin’s cuts have diminished the EPA’s staffing levels, even before Congress has had a chance to weigh in, affecting the environment, public health and government transparency.
    Chris Sellers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Though the region’s trade reliance on Washington has rapidly diminished as China has become its biggest market, several nations still rely on the US for a large share of their exports, the loss of which would put millions of livelihoods at risk.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Privately, political operatives from both sides concede that government shutdowns are bad for both parties.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, de Apziazu conceded streamers’ ambition and budgets are still leading to market-leading productions, even if fewer of them are made.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Steam decreased 33 percent and gas consumption decreased 12 percent—both due to more consistent production flows.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Austin, Denver have seen rents decrease Such arguments aren’t just economics textbook ideas, say Horowitz and other observers.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Cowboys’ defense may have reached its lowest point last week against the Bears, surrendering 31 points, four touchdown passes and a 60 percent success rate on third downs.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • It’s been a rough couple of years and an uneven few weeks for the Broncos’ secondary, which often finds itself on the receiving end of criticism for surrendering big plays and big passing yards.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mortgage rates barely budged to start this week, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily, as there were no major economic reports to influence the bond market.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Even after Disney's statement on Monday, Sinclair still wasn't budging on their stance on Kimmel.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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