relented

Definition of relentednext
past tense of relent
1
as in succumbed
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) the supervisor finally relented in the face of the petition, and allowed employees to take longer lunch breaks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 relented Belt wasn’t going to keep it on for the game, but relented to peer pressure. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 Alfred initially refused to let the paramedics take the children, but eventually relented, according to the report. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 When the chimps finally relented, Basie was escorted back home by an over 50-year-old male chimp named BF, who had appeared to be close with Basie over the years. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 As the miles and the states racked up, Tera never relented. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2026 But in talks, the Iranians have not relented on their right to enrich uranium, to maintain conventional defensive capabilities and to police traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital waterways. Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 In Chile in 1983, the finance minister’s refusal to socialize private foreign debt drew a cut-off in vital trade credit — oil tankers en route to Santiago turned around — until, under duress, the government relented. Sven Van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026 Carolyn didn’t want to go but relented after being encouraged by her sister and some newfound tenderness toward her husband. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 The Justice Department relented later that month amid mounting pressure, and Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche announced that the probe would be handled in part by the Civil Rights Division, whose criminal section specializes in probing color-of-law claims against law enforcement officers. Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relented
Verb
  • One of the patients later succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead, officials said.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • When Montiel had it, doctors could only provide supportive care, as her body either fought off the virus, or succumbed to it.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Once his symptoms subsided, he was transferred to another room, and at least 50 people lined the hallways and cheered him on during the move.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 17 May 2026
  • Although fighting largely subsided weeks ago, the Strait of Hormuz, remains blocked.
    Diaa Hadid, NPR, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • But the team still gives up too many goals, with nine goals conceded over the past three games.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • Seattle conceded more than one goal in a match for just the second time this season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, that decreased to 20 percent.
    Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • School enrollment numbers have decreased markedly in Connecticut in the past two years.
    Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Applications can be submitted year-round, and applicants will know if they have been accepted within two months of applying.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • An opinion paper submitted to the Knesset’s Education Committee, which oversees the vote, was excerpted by Haaretz.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Another theory suggests regulatory changes in China a few years ago appear to have diminished the availability of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl.
    Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • The roles of China and Russia, as Iran’s allies, are strengthened; the role of the United States, substantially diminished.
    Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • With two outs already recorded in the inning, Rodón surrendered a double to Carson Benge before issuing walks to Bo Bichette and Juan Soto.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
  • Cubs starter Jameson Taillon surrendered all five long balls.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • But they were felled by poor shooting Friday, making just 35% overall and were particularly bad from long range.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • But before he was felled at age 68 by a heart attack, Joiner had shared what was in the briefcase with the lead Louisiana State Police investigator on the case, Stefan Montgomery, Joiner's son and the LSP confirmed.
    Stephanie Gosk, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relented. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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