Synonym Chooser

How does the verb concede contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concede are accord, award, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can accord take the place of concede?

The synonyms accord and concede are sometimes interchangeable, but accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can award be used instead of concede?

In some situations, the words award and concede are roughly equivalent. However, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is it sensible to use grant instead of concede?

The meanings of grant and concede largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

When could vouchsafe be used to replace concede?

The words vouchsafe and concede can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 concede But after the diocese conceded and dropped the height down, the North End Neighborhood Association put its support behind it. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 3 Feb. 2025 As part of his plea agreement, Shipps conceded to a sentence between 57 and 71 months. Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025 Cramer conceded that investors’ response is logical if DeepSeek’s model actually cost so little to make, forcing Nvidia to bring down prices. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025 Jupiter tied the match at 1-1 on Hole 6 when Boston conceded a birdie, but went behind again on Hole 10 when Woods took too long to take a shot – the first shot clock violation in TGL history – and the resulting one-stroke penalty handed the point to the Common. Jamie Barton, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for concede 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concede
Verb
  • Children 17 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
  • While other girls snicker when Lucia admits she’s never had her period, the queen bee graciously defends her from mockery.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That proximity to real intimacy without fully succumbing to romantic feelings is so incredibly hot.
    Emily Martin, Them, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Outie Mark grabs his innie’s tie and ascends, with copies of his innies around them also succumbing to the balloon-head disorder.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Fadden, however, was apprehended and brought to Hutchinson where he was interrogated and confessed.
    Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • So now is the time to confess another of my body’s deficiencies: One of my legs happens to be longer than the other.
    Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The documentary was submitted to the Academy for Oscars consideration.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The following criteria has been established for the contest: Children who live in Savage, ages 5-12, can submit one name.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, Musk acknowledged in the press conference that some of his claims—$50 million for condoms sent to Hamas?
    Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Edison has acknowledged that its equipment may have played a role in starting the Eaton fire, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
    Martina Ibáñez-Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Image The Cement Garden By Ian McEwan The premise alone is goose bumps grim: After the death of their mother, four children decide to hide her body in a trunk of cement in their basement and fend for themselves rather than surrender to social workers and foster care.
    M.L. Rio, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The right-hander tossed three scoreless innings later that evening against the Boston Red Sox, allowing three hits while striking out four and surrendering no walks to earn the save and help the White Sox snap a 14-game losing streak.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The three men appeared in worse condition than the 18 other hostages previously freed under the truce, which was agreed to in January, 15 months into the war.
    Joey Roulette, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Morton agreed to produce Ian’s debut, Society’s Child, the album that would simultaneously propel her to stardom and sacrifice her to bigoted attacks.
    Audra Heinrichs, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near concede

Cite this Entry

“Concede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concede. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concede

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