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as in to capitulate
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the fort's commander received orders not to submit under any circumstances, as reinforcements were on the way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb submit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of submit are capitulate, defer, relent, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another.

a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God

When could capitulate be used to replace submit?

The words capitulate and submit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force.

officials capitulated to the protesters' demands

When is it sensible to use defer instead of submit?

The words defer and submit can be used in similar contexts, but defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another.

I defer to your expertise in these matters

When is relent a more appropriate choice than submit?

While in some cases nearly identical to submit, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

When might succumb be a better fit than submit?

Although the words succumb and submit have much in common, succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force.

a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood

When would yield be a good substitute for submit?

The meanings of yield and submit largely overlap; however, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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 submit The public can also submit comments online until Sept. 22. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 And on July 7, freight hauling company Daniel Trucking International also submitted a Chapter 11 filing to reorganize its business, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025 Only members of the AFA may submit nominations, and all submissions will be assessed by the full ARIA Voting Academy. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for submit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit
Verb
  • The men in green were dominated from the start and eventually succumbed to the pressure, unable to even cross the 100-run mark.
    Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Facio, who also was hospitalized, succumbed to his injuries on June 8 — six days after he was shot in the face.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pressure to release the hostages, pressure to lay down its arms, and pressure to surrender control over Gaza’s future.
    Benjamin Sharoni, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • At least for the moment, Maron seems to surrender to the discord between two of his three roommates, though stand-up’s most famous cat guy is never not a little on edge.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Jenkins conceded in the early morning hours after hosting several dozen people for a watch party at The Enclave, on Detroit's northwest side, according to an email from her campaign.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Dos Santos took back over for Pablo Sisniega, who conceded only three total goals in four MLS starts but allowed five in SDFC’s two previous Leagues Cup losses.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Submit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submit. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on submit

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