accede

Definition of accedenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word accede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of accede are acquiesce, agree, assent, consent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When can acquiesce be used instead of accede?

While in some cases nearly identical to accede, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

In what contexts can agree take the place of accede?

The words agree and accede are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When could assent be used to replace accede?

Although the words assent and accede have much in common, assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

Where would consent be a reasonable alternative to accede?

The words consent and accede can be used in similar contexts, but consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When is subscribe a more appropriate choice than accede?

While the synonyms subscribe and accede are close in meaning, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

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 accede But as his relentless pressure on allies becomes the new normal, those allies have every reason to adapt to protect themselves rather than accede to his demands. Vivek Viswanathan, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025 Would Redford, whose eyes were just as sapphirelike as Fonda’s, have acceded to such a plan? Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025 To an extent, the College Board can be forgiven for acceding to student preferences. Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 The administration can simply accede and Tennessee and its companion citizen group would win. Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accede
Verb
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the length of a stopgap bill depends on what Democrats agree to.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Petro finally assented, after several former Colombian Presidents offered to help smooth things over, and the relationship calmed down.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Key to the proposal, which is similar to one former President Joe Biden made more than a year ago, is Hamas assenting both to be disarmed and removed from governing Gaza.
    Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Not that Pumas acquiesced to SDFC amassing several taller players near the goalmouth.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In response to the backlash, which has been ongoing ever since, the company has half-acquiesced to public pressure and made piecemeal efforts at image rehabilitation.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Lacks did not consent to the taking of her cells, nor was her family made aware of their use in medical research until decades after her death.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The Fourth Amendment generally requires a judge’s warrant or consent for law enforcement to enter a private residence.
    Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accede. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on accede

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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