resign

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resign Fernandes Anderson officially resigned earlier this month and her last day is July 4. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025 Anna Wintour has resigned from her role as the editor-in-chief of Vogue after 37 years. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 26 June 2025 Greco resigned as a City Hall adviser to Adams after FBI agents in February 2024 raided her two Bronx homes as part of an investigation that has reportedly focused at least in part on her connections to China’s government. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025 Shortly after the news broke, Cerdan resigned from the PSOE and stepped down as a member of parliament. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resign
Verb
  • The second and final season roars through the climactic storylines from the comic, as Morpheus abdicates his domain, pursued by the Furies, and a new King of Dreams is selected.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • Since a weakened Congress has abdicated its power to the executive, we could sadly be dragged into yet another endless war.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • While Israel wants to eradicate Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, the group has shown little willingness to relinquish its political and military power in Gaza.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
  • The judge in Jackson's case has ordered Burgin to relinquish any firearms in his possession, including firearm parts and ammunition, within 24 hours of receiving the restraining order.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Who’s on Tennessee death row While the Department of Justice has renounced pentobarbital, Tennessee and about a dozen other states are pushing forward with the drug.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • On Wednesday, Lamont praised Mamdani while noting that Democrats have hardly renounced centrists.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resign. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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