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
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
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,
13 Apr. 2026
-
While the deal is budget-neutral during its first year, city residents would likely notice the impact of the furloughs as the absence of workers decreases the quality of service in many areas.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The only exception under the law is for a service primate for a permanently disabled person with a a severe mobility impairment, if the person submits written documentation or certification to the DEEP commissioner.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The lack of marbling, fat, and bone diminishes the beefy taste of these cuts.—
Sheena Chihak,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Robert Simmons surrenders to police following a seven-hour standoff.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Dozens of patrons show up at Tsarouhas’ restaurant at all hours — particularly at the crack of dawn — to enjoy patsa as many say the soup eases the stomach after a night of heavy drinking.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
For him, the oxygen eases the pain.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relents. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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