abandon 1 of 2

Definition of abandonnext
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as in to indulge
to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly more than ready to abandon himself to a life of complete idleness for the duration of his vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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abandon

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abandon different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abandon are relinquish, resign, surrender, waive, and yield. While all these words mean "to give up completely," abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up.

abandoned all hope

When might relinquish be a better fit than abandon?

While in some cases nearly identical to abandon, relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness.

relinquished her crown

When can resign be used instead of abandon?

The words resign and abandon can be used in similar contexts, but resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle.

resigned her position

When is it sensible to use surrender instead of abandon?

The words surrender and abandon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist.

surrendered their claims

Where would waive be a reasonable alternative to abandon?

The meanings of waive and abandon largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion.

waived the right to a trial by jury

In what contexts can yield take the place of abandon?

In some situations, the words yield and abandon are roughly equivalent. However, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force.

the troops yielded ground grudgingly

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 abandon
Verb
The United States mostly abandoned the construction of new nuclear power plants after 1990, but that is about to change. Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 29 June 2026 In 1850, California imposed a Foreign Miners’ License Tax that targeted non-American miners — especially those from Mexico, Latin America, China and Europe — requiring them to pay steep monthly fees or abandon their claims. Andre Byik, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Noun
How to sing with abandon, how to laugh too hard to speak. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 By the moment, midway through the show, when one hockey player tells another that safety is a cornerstone of female desire, my eyes were rolling around in my head with cynical abandon. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abandon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abandon
Verb
  • At the same time, centrists swung against a left that had indulged its purist tendencies.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026
  • Throughout the evening, Angela eagerly seeks Hawk and Piña’s approval, while Joe refuses to indulge them.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The video assistant referee called for a review of the play while the two were down getting tended to by trainers, leaving the Americans to nurse their lead down a man for the rest of the game.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Two of the attackers then smashed the windshield of the news van with a parking cone and damaged the camera before leaving the scene.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • As aides at the Capitol were actively building a stage for the celebratory event, meant to communicate a big cost-of-living win to voters, the president abruptly canceled it.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The city council voting against a recommendation by its fire marshal to cancel the display.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The single-dose Zostavax was less effective and discontinued in 2020.
    Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • By James Raia After years of drastically plummeting sales, the Jeep Cherokee was discontinued in 2023 following a half-century run.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • For fast fashion retailers, the first discount typically lands within four to twelve hours of abandonment.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • In 2017, still a puppy, he was rescued from abandonment and mistreatment by the Asociación Pro Defensa de los Animales, which restored his health and, with it, his chances.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In a friendly in Tokyo last October, Brazil surrendered a two-goal halftime lead and watched Japan pull ahead for an eventual 3-2 victory.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • More than 700 dogs remain unaccounted for Investigators have reviewed records showing that 918 dogs had been surrendered and transferred to Miranda’s Rescue from January 2025 to April 2026, Honsal said.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Anguished and alone, Nick is similarly cast away, seemingly cursed to spend the rest of his days forsaken in his hometown, now a foreign land.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Supporters of 2022 World Cup champions Argentina were among the most visible in Doha during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with some saving for four years and forsaking home-buying in order to make the trip.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Plans to pitch a replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War field headquarters tent on the lawn outside Independence Hall were scrapped because of the extreme heat.
    Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
  • Four bidders scrapped over the nearly eight-foot-high work, known as the Hamilton Laocoön, with a buyer new to the old masters market prevailing.
    News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abandon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abandon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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