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 But there are still more than two months until the trade deadline, and if the wideout persists in his viewpoint, Las Vegas could eventually relent. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Schools from Northern California to Washington state pushed back kickoff times to protect players and fans from triple-digit temperatures that refused to relent into the evening hours. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2025 While Little attempted to get Corpus to admit to the inappropriate relationship on the witness stand, the sheriff was precise in her answers and did not relent. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025 Though initially reluctant, Ivey relented when Jenkins, 31, promised to stay on the phone with the elder boy during the walk. Maia Nehme, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • There are those participants who safeguard their humanity amid such high stakes (like Cooper Hoffman's Garraty and David Jonsson's McVries) and those who succumb to the temptations of the game (like Charlie Plummer's Barkovitch).
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Kennedale Fire Department attempted lifesaving measures, but the man succumbed to his injuries, authorities said in a news release.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Royals are waiting for his back spasms to subside before getting him back into game action.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • By 2008, Americans were withdrawing, and combat deaths were subsiding to their lowest level since the start of the occupation.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kave submitted a letter about the layoffs to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles last Thursday.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • François Bayrou submitted his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, who accepted it.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That transition will bring with it some advantages (the conflict of being a part of the Comcast empire is diminished) but also challenges.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Many observers feel that the family’s power in Thailand is diminished, and its long dominant political machine could finally be out of steam.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Executives concede that Toronto isn’t attracting the kind of wall-to-wall media attention that Cannes and Venice deliver.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Baker ended up with the worst figures for an English debutant, conceding 76 runs from seven overs.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After allowing 18 chunk plays against Appalachian State, Charlotte surrendered just eight on Saturday night.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The leather is strong, the recliner function is smooth, and the frame doesn’t budge.
    Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, the July JOLTS report showed that hires, quits and layoffs didn’t budge much at all.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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