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
This grade slips to a C+ if Arizona eventually relents and grants Pro-Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat’s trade request.
—
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
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
In the early evening in Seville, when the heat relents, Sevillanos take a paseo, or leisurely stroll.
—Tia Welch Maerz, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Sep. 2025
One partner relents to the other’s wishes, without presenting their own needs and wants.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
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
In the early evening in Seville, when the heat relents, Sevillanos take a paseo, or leisurely stroll.
—Tia Welch Maerz, Christian Science Monitor, 5 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
-
Where Uthmeier succumbs to bigotry is in the presumption that DEI means unqualified.—
Howard L. Simon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
-
But her character succumbs to Ducournau’s convoluted plotting.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Fundamental advantages remain Analysts, however, remain cautiously optimistic if the conflict subsides within weeks.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
As the furor over the October 7th attack and the Gaza war subsides, such gatherings have become easier to organize, several Beth El members told me.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Nationally, the left often concedes first in the name of pragmatism, while more conservative factions hold firm and extract concessions.—
Darius Khalil Gordon,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
That kind of advance won’t make physical crews or the places trying to lure them very happy, a point Stone concedes.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
SpaceX routinely submits regulatory filings to authorize new gateway sites.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Feeling neglected by Les, Lindy has struck up a retaliatory affair with his colleague Richie (O-T Fagbenle), who mistakenly submits one of her students’ short stories to The New Yorker as her own.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cutting educational, recreational, arts and youth development activities not only diminishes quality of life but may also lead to juvenile delinquency, justice system involvement or dependency on government assistance.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Perpetuating ageism diminishes all of us.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Just like that, Cassie surrenders her image to Maddy’s control.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Robert Simmons surrenders to police following a seven-hour standoff.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The pace eases around May 18, when Venus and Jupiter come together in Cancer and travel side-by-side through early June.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The change, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, does not legalize marijuana federally but eases some regulations.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relents. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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