1
as in succumbs
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
as in subsides
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relents
Donal eventually relents, however, after his venue burns down in a convenient plot device.
—
Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
When utilities and grid operators push back, FERC generally relents.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
One partner relents to the other’s wishes, without presenting their own needs and wants.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
When utilities and grid operators push back, FERC generally relents.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
One partner relents to the other’s wishes, without presenting their own needs and wants.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relents
Verb
-
The 11-year-old titular character in Hamnet, up for Best Picture, succumbs to the plague.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The Shakespearean classic focuses on Macbeth, a Scottish general who makes his prophecy of becoming king a reality but then succumbs to madness.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As tree pollen subsides, grass pollen will ramp up, and then ragweed storms will be coming during the fall.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
11 Mar. 2026
-
While a panic attack subsides eventually, the anxiety-like feeling that precedes a heart attack won’t go away and may even increase in intensity over time.—
Nadine Avola,
Flow Space,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Although Art Recognition has collaborated with institutions like the Kunsthaus Zürich, Popovici concedes that galleries have little incentive to embrace technology that might cast doubt over their collections.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Sam, a food stylist, concedes that being in a wealthy suburban enclave may have led her to be a little more brash than usual.—
Nora DeLigter,
Curbed,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And recent data from a trial that Cherney is involved in, called REMODEL, show that semaglutide reduces damage to kidney blood vessel linings, decreases the activity of natural killer cells (white blood cells that destroy diseased cells), and increases fat loss from stores surrounding the kidneys.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Each year, the task force submits a report to Congress outlining gaps in research and highlighting areas where more focus is needed.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Will biannual bombing campaigns be employed until Iran submits to American demands?—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Some said Adebayo’s night diminishes sports history.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But Trump on Friday said that the United States wouldn’t end the war until Iran surrenders unconditionally.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Andrew surrenders his Duke of York title.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Realistic math eases shared stress.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
This eases the pressure of constant perfection.—
Julianna Chen,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relents. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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