Synonyms of resign

resign 1 of 2

verb (1)

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

resign (from)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to leave

to give up (a job or office)

resigned from the company after the news broke that he had been falsifying financial statements for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• leave
• retire (from)
• quit
• give notice
• step aside (from)
• step down (from)
• chuck
• abandon
• vacate
• bag
• throw up
• drop out (of)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stay (at)
• keep
• hire (out)
• join
• sign on (for)

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

Verb

And calls are growing for Swalwell to not only end his governor's campaign, but to resign from Congress. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

The Ferguson officer was cleared of wrongdoing and resigned, and Brown’s death led to months of protests. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

The Hungarian prosecutor's office ultimately found no evidence to support further investigation, but the outcry - to the recording and the pardon incident itself - prompted Varga to resign from public life altogether in 2024. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026

Christopher Smith resigned in January and Cherry Creek leaders placed Brenda Smith on administrative leave days later. —Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing resign

• resign (from)