relent

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relent are capitulate, defer, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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 is capitulate a more appropriate choice than relent?

The meanings of capitulate and relent largely overlap; however, 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

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to relent?

Although the words defer and relent have much in common, 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 can submit be used instead of relent?

In some situations, the words submit and relent 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 is it sensible to use succumb instead of relent?

While in some cases nearly identical to relent, 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 relent?

While the synonyms yield and relent are close in meaning, 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 relent Brian is refusing to relent though, leaving the couple at loggerheads. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 There has been some blowback from associates, a handful of partners, a smattering of corporate clients, the ABA, law school faculty, and the profession at large to the relenting firms. Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Stocks rallied in the US as investors – hungry for any sign Trump is going to relent on the trade war – embraced the White House’s optimism. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Within hours, Petro had relented, and his humiliation provided an object lesson for other leaders. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • In the coldest regions of its hardiness zone, plants can succumb to winter dieback during unusually harsh winters but generally recover well with new growth.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • So much oil got sucked out of the port and its neighborhoods that the ground started to subside, in some places yards deep.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • There was a slight uptick in turnovers in the postseason, but that must subside against the Thunder.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s a lengthy, awkward, process to get your money back, which includes submitting a claim and waiting for approval.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • To submit any news, please email [email protected].
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
  • Give credit without diminishing your own contributions.
    Marvin Krislov, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
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
Verb
  • These students, many already at an educational disadvantage, are left with instability, fewer learning opportunities and decreased academic performance.
    Lakeisha Wells Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
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
Verb
  • The bill went through intense debate in two committees last week as an alliance of blue-state Republicans and fiscal hawks refused to budge.
    Caroline Linton, CBS News, 25 May 2025
  • But conservative hard-liners on the other side of the GOP have been less willing to budge.
    Nik Popli, Time, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on relent

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