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
-
As the weather warms up, your garage succumbs to the elements.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
-
Where Uthmeier succumbs to bigotry is in the presumption that DEI means unqualified.—
Howard L. Simon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The chafing is bad enough, but even worse, after the initial irritation subsides, my legs are embarrassingly left with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
When their happiness subsides, Spurs will worry about the severity of the injuries suffered by Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons, with both forced off at Molineux.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The mayor concedes some residents have concerns about the impact the gondola may have on the character of their quiet town.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
-
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
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
-
In a related lawsuit, a coalition of cultural preservation and architecture groups, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is also suing to halt the closure until the Center submits renovation plans to Congress for its approval.—
Elizabeth Blair,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2026
-
SpaceX routinely submits regulatory filings to authorize new gateway sites.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Definition softens, dry lips are a constant, volume diminishes, and suddenly your favorite Pillow Talk Lip Liner is migrating and smudging into fine lines.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When Kenobi surrenders and Vader swings his blade through Kenobi’s chest, Kenobi disappears.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
-
Just like that, Cassie surrenders her image to Maddy’s control.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once the performers appear, slinking in from the sides of the stage, the show firmly takes shape and eases smoothly from one episode from the Gospels to the next.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Steam thins mucus and eases congestion, per the same PMC/NIH trial.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relents. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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