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 The flip side, Spoelstra said, is the teams capitulating in favor of the NBA draft lottery, an event that yet could include the Heat. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025 As speculation grew that the ominous surge in Treasury yields was about to create a domino effect of problems for financial markets, the president capitulated. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025 Declaring such a war with the hope that countries will capitulate is another roll of the dice – unless there is an ulterior motive. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2025 The remainder of Jenner’s peers who haven’t already capitulated should follow the lead of these three. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
Verb
  • Typically seen as a safe haven asset in times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty, gold succumbed to the aftershock of Trump’s policy seesawing in recent days before rallying 1.7% to around $3,228 an ounce on Friday morning.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Within a fortnight, a farmer in rural Georgia is hospitalized with a high fever and vomiting blood; a week later his son in San Antonio succumbs, becoming the first U.S. Ebola death.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • She was shot once in the shoulder, and after briefly going back into her home, ultimately surrendered and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Michael Busch drove an elevated fastball into the seats, the first extra-base hit Sasaki had surrendered all season.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In one of the more shocking upsets in UFC title fight history, Pena submitted Nunes in the second round, ending the Brazilian’s title reign.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Anonymous tips can be submitted at ManateeCrimestoppers.com.
    Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While results at the time tasted similar to the real thing, its inventors conceded that the texture didn’t quite work.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Berlin has changed a lot since Soho House opened here, Bryan conceded, when asked how the organization keeps its cachet after all these years.
    Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on capitulate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!