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 Colombia later relented after Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025 Urging Mexico to crack down on border crossings in 2019, Trump threatened to slap a tariff on the country within 10 days through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) but relented after Mexico committed to specific measures. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025 Yellen was hard to convince until a phone call from Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, her old colleague from his tenure as head of the European Central Bank, persuaded her to relent. Edward Fishman, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025 The city of Detroit urged officials to end investigations into Detroit’s planning director regarding two projects, according to records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, but the Board of Ethics has not relented. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
Verb
  • All the Sumerian cities of Mesopotamia succumbed to the same fate and were conquered by Sargon.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Tripp Miller, 50, succumbed to severe injuries endured from the tornado.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, disorganized or opaque responses can damage reputations long after the crisis subsides.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Although many around the world have been cutting interest rates to fuel growth after the inflation crisis has subsided, the OECD believes the inflation that tariffs will reignite means central banks will have to keep rates higher for longer, causing prolonged pain for businesses and consumers.
    David Goldman, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Robert Farley, chief of the North Bergen Police Department, is the focus of several notices to sue that were submitted by officers to the Township of North Bergen — which the first step in filing a complaint against an employer in the state — according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In the Senate, there were seven testimonies submitted favoring SB 399, including a letter from NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic in support of is project to build the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Projections of soaring power demand in the U.S. have led utility executives to turn to whatever power source is available—including wind and solar—even as the Trump Administration tries to diminish renewables.
    Justin Worland/Houston, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Afterwards, Farke conceded he had been tempted to start Gnonto in Aaronson’s place.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In November, Zelenskyy conceded not all territory could be won back by force and may have to remain under de facto Russian control after a settlement.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These systems reduce manual checks, decreasing staff needed for routine tasks without replacing them entirely.
    Chris Ciabarra, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • By April 2024, fuel costs peaked for the year before starting to decrease again in May.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday, Ehrlich surrendered himself to authorities at the Lakewood Township Police headquarters before being transported to Ocean County Jail, where he’s currently being held, according to prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Eight others have had their certifications temporarily suspended, and three officers voluntarily surrendered their licenses.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Whether or not Tennessee would either budge or meet the Browns in some sort of realistic middle on trade compensation remains to be seen.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Simply put, English wasn’t a language that budged easily.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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