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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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
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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
-
Three months later, a critical engineering group resigns together.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The law is implemented across a number of scenarios, including if the President dies or resigns while in office under Section 1 or the President themselves withdraws from the position, which can be temporarily, under Section 3.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile the grasses keep whispering, whispering about some mortal danger, the crickets shriek, and the heat renders your body all too present to itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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That absence recalls how Black communities have been deliberately omitted from Miami’s master plans for generations, first through segregation and redlining, now through redevelopment that renders the people who lived here an inconvenient memory.—
Alexandra Martinez,
Artforum,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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When in a turn of events, Theo abdicates from his position as Duke of Tintagel, and would therefore be divorcing Nan to be with Lizzie, Nan runs away to protect her baby, who would be the heir of Tintagel.—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Researchers say the system delivers an unusually realistic driving experience.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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The slogan delivers, and locals and tourists alike pack the narrow dining room every day of the week.—
Becky Duffett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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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In this case, Davis is more amused than embarrassed, and soon cedes the new man to Winnie.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Zelensky doesn’t have the domestic backing necessary for a deal that cedes territory.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Relinquishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relinquishes. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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