yield 1 of 2

Definition of yieldnext
1
2
as in to give
to produce as revenue I expect that stock to yield at least 14% profit this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to submit
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) after initially balking at the order, the soldier yielded when the commanding officer threatened a formal charge of insubordination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
7
as in to surrender
to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly she yielded herself to temptation and booked a month-long vacation in the Bahamas like she'd wanted to for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

yield

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb yield differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of yield are capitulate, defer, relent, submit, and succumb. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

When could capitulate be used to replace yield?

The words capitulate and yield 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 yield?

The synonyms defer and yield are sometimes interchangeable, 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

In what contexts can relent take the place of yield?

Although the words relent and yield have much in common, 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 submit be a better fit than yield?

In some situations, the words submit and yield are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would succumb be a good substitute for yield?

While the synonyms succumb and yield are close in meaning, 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

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 yield
Verb
In the eight games since, the Broncos’ opening drives have yielded no points and three total first downs. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025 Jeneen believes that pressure caused Children's to yield. Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
For earners in high-tax states in the top tax bracket, that could mean a tax-equivalent yield nearing 6%. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025 Many farmers have focused on short-term productivity, relying on fertilizers or frequent tillage to boost yields from one season to the next. Huma Tariq Malik, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for yield
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yield
Verb
  • Trim away any roots that have succumbed to root rot.
    Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Vasquez-Trinidad succumbed to her injuries two days after the crash, the outlets reported, citing the New York Police Department.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Historically, the water’s purity was singular, giving life to a watershed that flourished because of a unique paucity of nutrients, a situation that hindered the pursuit of any single species that would dominate the rest.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter This Utopia Bedding comforter keeps my bed looking super fluffy and cloud-like and gives my bedroom an expensive look.
    Genevieve Cepeda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Costco also submitted a traffic-impact analysis by Boise consulting firm Kittelson & Associates, indicating the development would generate just shy of 7,000 new vehicle trips per day.
    Rose Evans January 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The city reversed course and put the matter out to bid but ultimately rejected a proposal by Nikki Beach after saying its representatives missed a deadline to submit documents.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • China’s apparent surge in missile production comes as the US expends sophisticated defense systems in Ukraine and Israel, causing some ammunition shortages and sparking debate in Washington about how and where to deploy its high-end weapons.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • These storms can cause intermittent satellite navigation issues and high-frequency radio disruptions, as well as voltage corrections in power systems, particularly at high latitudes.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Those shows come from a time when fisheries were collapsing and regulations meant to save them forced fishermen into a daily sprint to the bottom.
    Dan Morrison, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Gilbert is hardly the only celebrity lending their support to Ryder’s Law, which was named after a horse who died in Manhattan in 2022 after collapsing in the August heat.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As Buffett relinquishes the helm, investors are increasingly focused on what disappears with him.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
  • More typically, the figures in Marshall’s art are haunted by a past that refuses to relinquish its tenacious hold.
    James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Leaning on do-everything running back Bijan Robinson would make a lot of sense, except the Colts hold teams to just 87 rushing yards per game (fourth fewest) and have surrendered only six rushing touchdowns in nine games.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Economic strain is one of the leading reasons animals are surrendered to shelters, spokesperson Kirsten Peek said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Questions about education funding Amid the state’s revenue shortfall, Little in August ordered state agencies other than public schools to cut spending by 3%.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • More than 70,000 fans are expected in the area between Thursday and Friday, according to event organizers, and that surge has restaurants and bars preparing for long lines, packed tables, and a major boost in revenue.
    Leondra Head, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yield.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yield. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on yield

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!