capitulation
noun
ca·pit·u·la·tion
kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən 
1
: a set of terms or articles (see article sense 1c) constituting an agreement between governments
2
a
: the act of surrendering or yielding
the capitulation of the defenders of the besieged town
b
: the terms of surrender
Examples of capitulation in a Sentence
her sudden capitulation surprised everyone; she usually debated for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations.
—
Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Advertisement Several conservative Republicans have criticized the Senate bill as a capitulation to Democrats and have floated demands to attach unrelated legislation.
—Nik Popli, Time, 2 Feb. 2026
West Ham United’s second-half capitulation against Chelsea was like knowing the ending of a film but still hoping for a different outcome.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
The most politically profitable stance would be capitulation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capitulation
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Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Advertisement Several conservative Republicans have criticized the Senate bill as a capitulation to Democrats and have floated demands to attach unrelated legislation.
—Nik Popli, Time, 2 Feb. 2026
West Ham United’s second-half capitulation against Chelsea was like knowing the ending of a film but still hoping for a different outcome.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
The most politically profitable stance would be capitulation.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capitulation
Cite this Entry
“Capitulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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