CAPITULATE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'capitulate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capitulate are defer , relent , submit , succumb , and yield . While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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

Q: When would 'defer' be a good substitute for 'capitulate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate , 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'relent' instead of 'capitulate'?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand. // finally relented and let the children stay up late

Q: When can 'submit' be used instead of 'capitulate'?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When could 'succumb' be used to replace 'capitulate'?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is 'yield' a more appropriate choice than 'capitulate'?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. However, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty. // yields too easily in any argument

capitulate

verb

kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt

Definition of capitulate next

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surrender

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capitulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of capitulate are defer, relent, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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

When would defer be a good substitute for capitulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate, 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

When is it sensible to use relent instead of capitulate?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand.

finally relented and let the children stay up late

When can submit be used instead of capitulate?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When could succumb be used to replace capitulate?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is yield a more appropriate choice than capitulate?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. However, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

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 capitulate After capitulating against the Timberwolves, the Nuggets must take a step back, trade away Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon, and load up for a three-year run in Jokic’s final sprint starting in 2029. —

Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 On February 7, Newcastle capitulated to Brentford, losing 3-2 in front of their own supporters. —

George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 May 2026 In parts of Caracas and several interior regions, hardline Chavista groups have publicly denounced the government’s energy agreements with American firms and accused the leadership of capitulating to foreign interests. —

Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026 His father, a billboard magnate, was a stern man who would whip his son with a razor strap for stepping out of line, but the youngster refused to capitulate to his dad’s authority. —

Paul Bond, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for capitulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate

Verb

Sydney briefly, and understandably, succumbed to the impulse to lash out, something that Carmy has done on more than one occasion while acting as head chef.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Andrew succumbed to his injuries six days later.

— David Chiu, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Definition of succumb

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

Definition of surrender

Verb

At that point, Mills said, Kamlager-Dove’s office submitted inquiries to the Postal Service asking about the reason for the closure and what is being done to alleviate the burden on customers.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
To qualify, a patient's provider must submit a prior authorization request showing that the patient is being prescribed a GLP-1 for weight loss.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 29 June 2026