1
as in surrenders
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
the boy reluctantly relinquished the illegal fireworks to the police officer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in resigns
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the retiring CEO relinquished his position to the company's vice president with very mixed feelings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relinquishes
Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?
—
Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
As Buffett relinquishes the helm, investors are increasingly focused on what disappears with him.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
The first rule of power politics is that nobody relinquishes authority willingly.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
In a street vacation, the city relinquishes the right of way or public service easement to an adjacent property owner or owners.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
As Buffett relinquishes the helm, investors are increasingly focused on what disappears with him.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
The first rule of power politics is that nobody relinquishes authority willingly.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
In a street vacation, the city relinquishes the right of way or public service easement to an adjacent property owner or owners.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relinquishes
Verb
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Robert Simmons surrenders to police following a seven-hour standoff.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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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
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When General Lee demands Jamie report for duty and leave Claire behind, Jamie resigns from the army by way of a blood note.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Nabilah Parkes abruptly resigns her state Senate seat.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In his songs, the Virginia rapper renders societal ills in high definition.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
30 Mar. 2026
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The video, posted by Evolving AI on Instagram on March 24, renders the dogs’ real-life escape in a style reminiscent of a studio animation feature.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When the state abdicates its duty, the people must step in.—
William Morris,
Des Moines Register,
17 Mar. 2026
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When the federal government abdicates its responsibility for public health, states, localities, and communities of experts can still try to fill the void.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Following someone’s suggestions delivers you to adventure's door under the Libra full moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Hranchuk, the consumer behavior expert and a professor at Brock University in Ontario, said the menu refresh can work if Panera simplifies its ordering process, delivers quality food and creates a consistent experience.—
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Its constitution renounces the right to wage war as a means of settling such disputes.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2026
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She’s also supported revising Japan’s pacifist constitution, particularly Article 9, which renounces war and bans military forces.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Choosing silence also cedes our right to free speech.—
Jenna Norton,
STAT,
12 Mar. 2026
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The specialization that cedes politics, economics or communication to separate disciplines is, in sociology, an invitation to synthesize and to consider how these broad social processes engage, reinforce or conflict with one another.—
Wendy Nelson Espeland,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relinquishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relinquishes. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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