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 Italian still had around 13 months left on his deal at the Bernabeu, penned approaching the turn of 2024, but he was expected to either be dismissed or resign at the conclusion of the current term which has seen Madrid’s bitter rival FC Barcelona exert newfound domestic dominance. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Under that scenario, the department would bring on just 120 recruits per year — far fewer than the number who resign or retire — leaving slightly more than 6,600 police officers by 2030. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025

In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI resigned his papacy citing age and ailing health. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025

The government declared a state of emergency, and Henry, who was never able to return to Haiti, resigned in April 2024. —Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

Phrases Containing resign

• resign (from)