capitulate

verb

kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce capitulate (audio)
Definition of capitulatenext
1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surrender
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capitulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capitulate are defer, relent, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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 would defer be a good substitute for capitulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate, 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 it sensible to use relent instead of capitulate?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, 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 can submit be used instead of capitulate?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 succumb be used to replace capitulate?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is yield a more appropriate choice than capitulate?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. 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 capitulate The Houthis have apparently capitulated to U.S. and Israeli air strikes, saying that Red Sea shipping is safe from them. —Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025 Trump's targeting of firms has drawn condemnation from many within the legal industry, with some also criticizing the firms that reached agreements as capitulating to presidential coercion. —Mike Scarcella and David Thomas, USA Today, 3 May 2025 Harvard has sued in response, while Columbia capitulated to avoid losing $400 million. —Scott White, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 This divisiveness speaks, in part, to the band’s abiding disinterest in capitulating to the Zeitgeist. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
  1. succumb
  2. surrender
  3. submit
  4. concede
Verb
  • Quickly: In Oklahoma City, the Timberwolves succumbed to a masterclass in Thunderology, in which the young juggernauts fell behind early, rebounded, played incessant defense and saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander work his foul-merchant magic.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Test cricket’s older generation is succumbing to Father Time.
    — Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of succumb
Verb
  • In many prison camps, the lowest level of security in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), cell phones are so prevalent that those who recently surrender can have one within days of arriving on the compound.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The chilling exchange was part of a series of radio transmissions between Russian forces that Ukrainian officials say provide further evidence that Russian superiors are ordering soldiers to execute surrendering Ukrainian troops in violation of international law.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • The council, which met for the first time on May 20, is expected to submit a report of its findings in November.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025
  • To submit any news, please email [email protected].
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of submit
Verb
  • Many economists argue that trade deficits do not matter, and even proponents concede that doing so can cause short-term pain.
    — Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • Conte’s side conceded just 27 goals in 38 league games, the strongest defensive record in Serie A and 18 fewer than Inter.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of concede

Browse Nearby Words

capitulary
capitulate
capitulated
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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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