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 Young later relented and his music was added back. CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026 Young later relented and his music was added back. David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 Huyer relented, and Juurlink and one of his doctoral students, Jonathan Zipursky, went to work. Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Trump was originally named as Pace Car driver but later relented that honor for the race that was held on May 29, 2011. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Most of those past efforts were on a much more limited scale than what the government has done in the past year, and they were largely abandoned after China relented and eased access to critical minerals. Didi Tang, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026 Harbinson relented, and did again when Stecher insisted on taking the ice. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Director David Fincher ultimately relented and did not make Affleck wear the hat. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Finland struck early and never relented, holding Latvia to just four shots on goal while scoring three times in the opening period to take control. Wire Report, Twin Cities, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relented
Verb
  • Boone was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
  • His half-brother, Christopher Benitez, 27, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital just after midnight on Thursday, the outlets reported.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While the heat on Greenland has subsided for now, the infighting has seriously undercut the ability of the world’s biggest security alliance to deter adversaries, analysts say.
    Lorne Cook, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The pain subsided gradually over a few weeks.
    Patricia Tortolani, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Liverpool conceded a goal down that flank, and eventually Slot had to introduce Joe Gomez and move Endo into midfield.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Even if Senate Republicans conceded to breaking up the funding package, the bills would be kicked back to the House of Representatives, which is on a weeklong recess.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After three months of highs, pepper spray use and violent incidents sharply decreased at the end of the year.
    Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore schools are all grappling with multi-million dollar budget deficits in the 2026-27 school year, with the districts citing declining enrollment and decreased state and federal funding as having created budget holes that will likely lead to difficult decisions.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Vang said the proposal, a separate resolution, has been submitted to the city clerk.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In April 2025, a tipster submitted an online report alleging an inappropriate relationship between Gilkey-Meisegeier and the student.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The practice of fascism supersedes its ideas, which is why people affected and diminished by it are not all that interested in a marketplace of ideas in which fascists have prime purchasing power.
    Aleksandar Hemon, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Reduced star ratings result in lower reimbursement and diminished capacity to provide attractive benefits to draw in members.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Only later did Wright discover that Valerio was surrendered to the shelter after biting his previous owner’s elderly mother in the face.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Brooklyn surrendered just four points over a long stretch, and Sharpe’s steal led to a Tyrese Martin breakaway dunk that tied the game at 70.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After a flurry of punches that would have felled a lesser team and coach, the Owls are still standing.
    Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Antoine’s trees were eventually felled after the plantation changed hands multiple times after the death of enslaver Roman.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relented. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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