relent

verb

re·​lent ri-ˈlent How to pronounce relent (audio)
relented; relenting; relents
Synonyms of relent

intransitive verb

1
a
: to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity
b
: to cease resistance : give in
2
: let up, slacken

transitive verb

obsolete : soften, mollify

Synonyms of relent

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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.
The president relented after Stitt intervened, though there is little to suggest that the relationship has recovered, raising the potential of another confrontation at the next NGA meeting, traditionally held February in Washington. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 But after a top Justice Department official demanded this action, the Secret Service relented. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Located in Malheur and Owyhee counties near Jordan Valley, the wildfire has blanketed the Boise area in smoke, with no signs of that relenting as the wind flow continues from the southwest. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026 The White House later relented, giving Cassidy a one-on-one meeting, and the Louisiana Republican changed his vote in a late-night do-over vote before the Senate left for a two-week recess. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 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

Rhymes for relent

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Browse Nearby Words

relend
relent
relentingly
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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relent

verb
re·​lent ri-ˈlent How to pronounce relent (audio)
1
: to become less severe, harsh, or strict
2
: slacken sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on relent

Nglish: Translation of relent for Spanish Speakers

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