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
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 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
-
Her sexuality is a source of conflict for her family, and the pressure leads to the painful breakup with her girlfriend, Rosie (Jess Gabor), who succumbs to family expectations.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
17 Dec. 2025
-
Live, the band’s cataclysmic volume precludes close observation, and melodic detail succumbs to feedback like dust caught in an exploding star’s stratosphere.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Mariners traversing the bar are urged to exercise extreme caution or stay in port until the threat subsides.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The driver was safely rescued, but their vehicle will stay in the flooded roadway, between the road closures, until the water subsides.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
To Spoelstra, what such an alignment concedes with spacing can be compensated with offensive rebounds, with the Heat prioritizing possessions.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In the settlement agreement, Ceratizit neither admits liability nor concedes that the government’s claims are well-founded.—
Desiree Mathurin
December 19,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Prescribed medication is used to manage discomfort, which usually decreases noticeably after the first week.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That depends on whether a taxpayer files electronically or submits a paper return, as well as whether the IRS identifies any problems with a filing.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But the work doesn’t end for Lata, even when her state submits its new roll.—
Esha Mitra,
CNN Money,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But those long hours sitting at a desk, commuting by car or public transport, and spending leisure time in front of screens also diminishes opportunities for the legs to be challenged.—
Desireé Oostland,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are the secret weapons, and Nora Ephron's script never surrenders to sentimentality.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
USA Today,
15 Dec. 2025
-
And this year, Stinett said, numbers are trending up again, with owner surrenders estimated to track up 40% from last year.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
25 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Smart spending feels soothing as the emotional Moon eases your 2nd House of Cash, collaborating with powerful Pluto in your 4th House of Nostalgia.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Cold weather eases just a bit ahead of another strong cold front on Saturday.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relents. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
