ABDICATE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abdicate' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate . While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. // abdicated the throne

Q: In what contexts can 'renounce' take the place of 'abdicate'?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. // renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

Q: When would 'resign' be a good substitute for 'abdicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate , resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. // resigned from the board

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt

Definition of abdicate next

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

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How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Examples 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 abdicate Relying on tips for earnings began as a practice in the South following the Civil War as a way to abdicate employer responsibility for paying workers who were formerly enslaved. —

Kate Bahn, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Traditional religions are predicated on the idea that the individual is responsible for their own choices and behaviors, which, if abdicated, are followed by spiritual consequences. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 25 June 2024 The moderators will not be fact-checking the candidates live, according to the Associated Press, abdicating the duty to the organization's fact-checking website CBS Confirmed and its social media. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024 Politicians have abdicated their responsibility to unelected, unaccountable technology leaders. —

Marietje Schaake, Foreign Affairs, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abdicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate

Verb

Many resigned themselves to the end of a democratic regime that didn’t seem to be working.

Christine Adams / Made by History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
The finale also sets up this idea that Dennison could become Prime Minister, if Trowbridge really does resign.

Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024