Synonym Chooser

How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

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 abdicate In many areas — most notably in trade policy, where Trump threatens to inflict a lasting injury on the global economy — the legislature abdicated years ago. Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 The article explores some potential outcomes: Meta is not entirely abdicating responsibility for what appears on its platforms. Natalie Proulx, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025 When pushed by his hawkish national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, to encourage the Shah to use force against the opposition, Carter refused, and the Shah abdicated in January. Benjamin V. Allison / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024 The key is that gentle parenting is not about abdicating all responsibility but gradually empowering the child to become self-sufficient. Alex Vance, Parents, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for abdicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate
Verb
  • Massive Payouts Despite Market Results: In late 2024, Peter Rawlinson resigned as CEO of Lucid Group, an electric car maker.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Soon after Davis’ post, Hawk resigned from his position on the Blue Springs school board.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Fifty-seven children have been relinquished under under safe haven laws in Connecticut since 2001, according to public testimony to the Committee on Children.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The outlet said the Unwell Network has renounced all rights to Hot Mess so Earle can freely explore future opportunities.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Like his predecessors, Xi has refused to renounce the possible use of force to unify China and Taiwan.
    Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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