relent

verb

re·lent ri-ˈlent

relented; relenting; relents

Synonyms of relent next

intransitive verb

: to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity

: to cease resistance : give in

: let up, slacken

transitive verb

obsolete : soften, mollify

Choose the Right Synonym for relent

yield, submit, capitulate, succumb, relent, defer 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

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

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

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

relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

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

Examples of relent in a Sentence

Our application was initially refused, but the city relented in the end and the permit was issued. They had refused to pay and relented only after being threatened with a lawsuit. The winds would not relent.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Gaetz only relented in the 15th round of voting, after Trump began making calls and a fed-up Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., lunged at Gaetz on the floor. —

Scott Wong, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2024 Eventually, as Korematsu’s case worked its way through the court system, the national ACLU relented, recruiting two prominent Washington lawyers, Charles Horsky and Wayne Collins, to represent Korematsu before the Supreme Court. —

Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024 As the sun set again, Nicolas the travel agent relented and booked the flights without hearing from Norwegian. —

Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024 However, eventually, in 2020, Anthony relented, and the couple picked up Aussie dog Stilton—who then joined them in the big move from France to their new home in the United States. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of relent was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relent. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

relent

verb

re·lent ri-ˈlent

: to become less severe, harsh, or strict

: slacken sense 1

Last Updated: 8 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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relent

verb

Synonyms

Examples of relent in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near relent

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition