Synonyms of resign

resign

verb

ri-ˈzīn 

as in to abdicate

to give up (as a position of authority) formally

following the election, the incumbent cabinet members resigned their positions so the president could feel free to pick a new administration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abdicate
• relinquish
• renounce
• cede
• surrender
• deny
• vacate
• waive
• step down (from)
• step aside (from)
• abnegate
• abandon
• disown
• disavow
• demit
• forsake
• abjure
• disclaim
• quit
• yield
• hand over
• give up
• desert

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assume
• claim
• appropriate
• protect
• seize
• confiscate
• defend
• take over
• arrogate
• secure
• usurp
• guard
• safeguard
• wrest

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resign different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of resign are abandon, relinquish, surrender, waive, and yield. While all these words mean "to give up completely," resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle.

resigned her position

When would abandon be a good substitute for resign?

Although the words abandon and resign have much in common, abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up.

abandoned all hope

When is relinquish a more appropriate choice than resign?

The synonyms relinquish and resign are sometimes interchangeable, but relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness.

relinquished her crown

When is it sensible to use surrender instead of resign?

The words surrender and resign can be used in similar contexts, but surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist.

surrendered their claims

Where would waive be a reasonable alternative to resign?

The meanings of waive and resign largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion.

waived the right to a trial by jury

When can yield be used instead of resign?

The words yield and resign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force.

the troops yielded ground grudgingly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resign

The alleged drugs were never recovered, but Singh wound up resigning since being fired could have cost him his law enforcement certifications, Thompson said. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025

After the April 10 meeting, trustee Charmaine Haworth also resigned, also citing dissatisfaction with the group’s direction. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025

The acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is resigning over a new federal agreement that allows immigration enforcement access to taxpayer data, according to two people familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

The Internal Revenue Service's acting commissioner — its third leader this year — is resigning after reaching a controversial agreement to release immigrants' tax data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), multiple outlets reported. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing resign

• resign (from)