SUBMIT Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

submit

verb

səb-ˈmit

Definition of submit next

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) in the end he submitted and agreed to take that awful-tasting medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surrender

to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit) refusing to submit to sleep, she stayed by her son's hospital bed the whole night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That’s why apps such as Zoom and Tinder allow their users to submit biometric identification, such as retinal scans, to help prove that a real person exists behind a profile picture. —

Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 29 June 2026 There is disagreement between Eversource and DEEP over how and when the company learned the project must submit to an Environmental Impact Evaluation and the ensuing delay. —

Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026 Applications must be submitted to the same office between July 6 and July 9. —

Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 The facility is experienced in submitting documentation and claims to the VA’s Foreign Medical Program on behalf of eligible veterans. —

Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for submit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit

Verb

Sydney briefly, and understandably, succumbed to the impulse to lash out, something that Carmy has done on more than one occasion while acting as head chef.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Andrew succumbed to his injuries six days later.

— David Chiu, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Definition of succumb

Verb

While scoring goals left and right, the Dutch have also conceded a goal in every game, four in all.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
Baltimore will be getting its first female sheriff after incumbent Sam Cogen conceded to Sabrina Tapp-Harper in Maryland's primary election.

— JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 June 2026