Synonyms of relinquishing

relinquishing

verb

present participle of relinquish

1

as in surrendering

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

• surrendering
• rendering
• delivering
• ceding
• transferring
• yielding
• abandoning
• resigning
• turning in
• committing
• entrusting
• giving up
• turning over
• laying down
• releasing
• forfeiting
• waiving
• handing over
• discarding
• renouncing
• coughing up
• consigning
• deserting
• shedding
• forsaking
• abnegating
• parting (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• keeping
• retaining
• withholding

2

as in abdicating

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

• abdicating
• resigning
• renouncing
• ceding
• surrendering
• denying
• vacating
• abnegating
• waiving
• abandoning
• stepping down (from)
• disowning
• disclaiming
• disavowing
• forsaking
• abjuring
• stepping aside (from)
• yielding
• demitting
• deserting
• giving up
• handing over
• quitting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• claiming
• assuming
• appropriating
• seizing
• protecting
• confiscating
• securing
• arrogating
• defending
• usurping
• taking over
• safeguarding
• guarding
• wresting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of relinquishing

While relinquishing the lead that night, Chapman tied Wilhelm’s record. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026

But for Iran, reopening the strait does not mean relinquishing control of it. — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Furthermore, leaders like George Washington achieved greatness not by hoarding power, but by relinquishing it. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026

Loth promptly went out and took care of business, taking the lead early before briefly relinquishing it, then pulling away down the stretch. — Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 6 June 2026

Consumers are intrigued by convenience, but at the same time clearly uneasy about relinquishing control. — Jacques Ledbetter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Trump has said numerous times that any final resolution would have to involve Iran relinquishing its nuclear program, either by means of a diplomatic agreement or by force. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 13 May 2026

And at the counter, where chef and guest are separated by little more than a stretch of the hand, everything rests on precision, presence and the quiet thrill of relinquishing control to the chef’s capable hands. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 10 May 2026

The Monarchs went 8-1 in league play before relinquishing the district title. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026