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 Tracy relented, Green earned one more trip to the plate, and power met opportunity. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 The park relented and chose a twist on the original — Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025 Yet after days of digging in, Trump less than 24 hours later had relented and announced a 10% reciprocal tariff - lower than what many countries faced - for everyone except China for 90 days. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 But intrepid travelers have not relented: The hunger to be first remains a powerful driver. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • Test cricket’s older generation is succumbing to Father Time.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Quickly: In Oklahoma City, the Timberwolves succumbed to a masterclass in Thunderology, in which the young juggernauts fell behind early, rebounded, played incessant defense and saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander work his foul-merchant magic.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Luckily, the experience trumped inhaling the intense stench, which eventually subsided.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • This new poll, and others, suggest voters' concerns over the economy may be subsiding.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Payments for each device are capped at $20, but claimants may receive less depending on the total number of claims submitted.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.
    Marvin Krislov, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to Variety during the Cannes Film Festival, Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of Creative Greece, concedes that there have been bureaucratic challenges since the organization’s launch.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Now, after dispute the accuracy of the video for several months, the defense concedes that the footage is disturbing as an example of domestic violence.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Nord decreased our upload speeds by 38.37% and our latency by 29.26%.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • In many prison camps, the lowest level of security in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), cell phones are so prevalent that those who recently surrender can have one within days of arriving on the compound.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Calvin Faucher surrendered six runs without securing a single out and Lake Bachar gave up three more as the Cubs posted eight runs on eight hits in the decisive sixth inning of a 14-1 Marlins’ loss at loanDepot park.
    Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • After launching at No. 1 on the Blues Albums chart, Sinners doesn't budge an inch.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • For now, tariffs have yet to budge prices — the Consumer Price Index in March rose 2.4% on an annual basis, down from 2.8% in February.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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