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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 new legislation does allow the vehicle owner to submit a title or bill of sale instead of registration documents to get their car back. Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025 LinkedIn has seen a 45% increase in the number of applications being submitted—averaging 11,000 per minute. Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Women of Action, a Christian parental rights group, submitted letters to the court also opposing the law. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Several members of Gravel & Grit submitted a formal complaint July 23 to the joint committee to request a full investigation into the Franklin County prison project. Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for submit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit
Verb
  • There are those participants who safeguard their humanity amid such high stakes (like Cooper Hoffman's Garraty and David Jonsson's McVries) and those who succumb to the temptations of the game (like Charlie Plummer's Barkovitch).
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Kennedale Fire Department attempted lifesaving measures, but the man succumbed to his injuries, authorities said in a news release.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After allowing 18 chunk plays against Appalachian State, Charlotte surrendered just eight on Saturday night.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the 18th hole of the final match, Nicklaus sank his par putt and then conceded Tony Jacklin’s short par putt, ensuring both the match and the Ryder Cup ended in a tie.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But Democrats have long conceded that the party needs a new vision after voters soundly rejected their presidential ticket last fall, and internal squabbles about the party’s future have spilled out into the public.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Submit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submit. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on submit

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