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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When Kenobi surrenders and Vader swings his blade through Kenobi’s chest, Kenobi disappears.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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Just like that, Cassie surrenders her image to Maddy’s control.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If the sitting governor dies, resigns or is removed from office, then the lieutenant governor would assume the role.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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The 25th Amendment provides detailed procedures on what happens if a president resigns, dies in office, has a temporary disability or is no longer fit for office.—
Kirsten Matoy Carlson,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On their surface, removal hearings can look like bench trials, where a judge — not a jury — hears evidence and renders a verdict.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
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Every chat with Claude or GPT runs on the same underlying machinery that calculates spreadsheet totals and renders video games—silicon wafers etched with billions of microscopic switches, organized into specialized processors.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
1 May 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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Instead of roasting, the dehydrating preserves natural flavor and delivers Daily Crunch's signature Uniquely Crunchy bite.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
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The shop not only delivers shimmering sips, but hosts elaborate tea events such as the seasonal Royal Afternoon Tea, a five-course affair offered multiple times a year in partnership with Aixois Bistro.—
Adam Stone Studio USA TODAY,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Miami will have the ability to use multiple sizable salary cap exceptions if Wiggins opts out or if Wiggins stays but Miami renounces Powell, which remove his cap hold and eliminate his Bird rights.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
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The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Annie gets the best monologue as Maggie but cedes the part’s biggest musical moment to Babs.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Choosing silence also cedes our right to free speech.—
Jenna Norton,
STAT,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relinquishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relinquishes. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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