as in resigned
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 abdicated
One such royal family member was Grand Duke Emeritus Henri of Luxembourg, who abdicated in favor of his son last October.
—
Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Congress, meanwhile, has largely abdicated its regulatory role, lulled into inaction by Silicon Valley’s campaign dollars and lobbying power.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
The same could be said for Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, 85, who two years ago voluntarily abdicated the throne to make way for her son.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 Jan. 2026
When that responsibility is abdicated or abused, the system orients itself around avoidance and silence.
—Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
The family's fate changed when King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 and his younger brother acceded to the throne, putting the firstborn Princess Elizabeth on the path to reign one day.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
The last time this protocol was used was when Edward VIII abdicated in 1936.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Traditional media often abdicated those communities.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
—Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Congress, meanwhile, has largely abdicated its regulatory role, lulled into inaction by Silicon Valley’s campaign dollars and lobbying power.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
The same could be said for Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, 85, who two years ago voluntarily abdicated the throne to make way for her son.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 Jan. 2026
When that responsibility is abdicated or abused, the system orients itself around avoidance and silence.
—Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
The family's fate changed when King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 and his younger brother acceded to the throne, putting the firstborn Princess Elizabeth on the path to reign one day.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
The last time this protocol was used was when Edward VIII abdicated in 1936.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Traditional media often abdicated those communities.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Instead of standing as a safeguard, Congress has abdicated its responsibility and has been a rubber stamp for the president’s unconstitutional whims.
—Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicated
Verb
-
Pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is growing, after another key aide resigned over revelations about Epstein’s contact with a senior politician.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Kansas City Police Department officials announced on Friday that officer Blayne Newton has resigned from the department through a mutual separation agreement.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Angell relinquished not only his role as chair, but as a board member entirely.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
-
There’s Brownie, a stray boa constrictor who was wandering in an apartment complex and Kiki, a shy kinkajou, who was relinquished when his caregiver became ill.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abdicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicated. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
