GIVES UP Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

gives up

verb

present tense third-person singular of give up

as in relinquishes

to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress was in so much debt he had to give up his house and move into a cheaper apartment

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as in abandons

to stop doing (something) permanently I hope you won't give up playing the piano

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as in succumbs

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces with the prospect of a renewed enemy attack, the regiment decided to simply give up

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as in indulges

to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly even in the darkest days of her troubled marriage, she refused to give herself up to feelings of utter hopelessness

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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 gives up But really, a Landry never gives up hope. — Megan Vick, Variety, 22 June 2026 The message on Iranian television is that a ‘strong and proud’ Islamic Republic has forced Washington to recognize its control over the Strait of Hormuz and to ease military pressure, while Tehran supposedly gives up very little in return. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026 This day in sports history 1913 — Jim Thorpe gives up his track medals from the 1912 Olympic games as a result of his having been a professional. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 That extra pick could also be helpful if the Braves were to sign a free agent who turned down a qualifying offer from his former team, in which case the signing team gives up a draft pick to the team from which the player got the QO. — David O'Brien, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 If Prince Andrew gives up his lease, The Crown Estate would need to pay him over $756,000 (£557,595), The Times reports. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 But by prioritizing equal area, the projection gives up on directional fidelity. — Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 As a result, Taylor gives up her internship in New York City to stay home and help her mom run the business. — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gives up

Verb

Could this be the anarchic mind that emerges when the ego relinquishes its hold?

— Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026

Definition of relinquishes

Verb

Pantani, as so often in his career, crashes and abandons the race.

— Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 24 July 2026
When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026

Definition of abandons

Verb

When Mina’s closest friend Lucy succumbs to his thrall, the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing is summoned to wage war on this unfathomable threat.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 July 2026
If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.

— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Definition of succumbs

Verb

Lee indulges that emotional ambiguity, the way the pedal steel can blur the distinction between a frown and a smile.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Chris is a freelance journalist who, when not writing, skywatching, playing games or building Lego, indulges his taste for horror, sci-fi and the post-apocalyptic.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 June 2026

Definition of indulges

Verb

Dru-Ann quits her job Drama over Dru-Ann’s career is pervasive both on the page and onscreen.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Operating under the assumption that Platner quits the race in the coming days, Republicans are planning a negative ad blitz to undermine Collins' next opponent immediately.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026

Definition of quits

Verb

Summer is usually the busiest season for shelters, officials said, as more stray animals, owner surrenders and vulnerable kittens arrive across the five boroughs.

— Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
For an Astros pitching staff that surrenders the third-highest fly-ball rate of any team in the sport, this matters.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of surrenders

Verb

Despite its simple application, the treatment delivers noticeably softer, smoother-feeling hair.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
This is such a lovely lip oil that really delivers the most gorgeous pigment (not too much, not too little) in a really hydrating formula.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026