relent

verb

ri-ˈlent How to pronounce relent (audio)
Definition of relentnext
1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) the supervisor finally relented in the face of the petition, and allowed employees to take longer lunch breaks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to subside
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually the fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relent differ from other similar words?

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

The meanings of capitulate and relent largely overlap; however, 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

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to relent?

Although the words defer and relent have much in common, 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 can submit be used instead of relent?

In some situations, the words submit and relent are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use succumb instead of relent?

While in some cases nearly identical to relent, 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 would yield be a good substitute for relent?

While the synonyms yield and relent are close in meaning, 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 relent After being denied three times, her doctor finally relented. —Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025 The nation needed somebody who would not relent, but could compromise. —arkansasonline.com, 12 Feb. 2025 Named Lija, the wary but winsome mutt — in fact played by the filmmaker’s own pet — is snappish and defensive when her wounds are first treated, only to slowly relent and relax in the face of genuine tenderness. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025 Ottawa has responded with its own countermeasures and has no plans to relent unless the U.S. does. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relent
  1. succumb
  2. subside
  3. submit
  4. diminish
  5. concede
  6. decrease
  7. surrender
  8. budge
Verb
  • Paramedics took her to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was succumbed to her injuries Monday, Bess said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Prequel Dexter: Original Sin, featuring a young Dexter eventually succumbing to his bloodlust, recently aired its finale.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of succumb
Verb
  • Crime has since subsided, though its memory hasn’t.
    — Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The uproar surrounding the election has not subsided since that time, despite Ganim later winning two court-ordered re-do elections in 2024.
    — Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of subside
Verb
  • Between October, 2023, and February, 2024, the number of Title VI complaints submitted to the Department of Education increased fifteenfold.
    — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Applicants can submit for consideration starting March 3 at 12 p.m. PT, with submissions closing on March 5 at 12 p.m. PT.
    — Thania Garcia, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of submit
Verb
  • The absence of Ayo Dosunmu — who is dealing with shoulder discomfort from a long-term injury — further diminished the Bulls roster.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This mercenary approach diminishes U.S. influence, undermines international norms, and sacrifices strategic interests for short-term gains.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • The move inevitably would be divisive, as Shapiro conceded, and would likely be cast as political.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In four of the five matches the team has played this season, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hasn’t conceded a goal.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of concede
Verb
  • New York Open Data showed that certain types of delays, such as those related to braking issues, rail and roadbed problems and service delivery, decreased on the A line from September to December.
    — Nic F. Anderson, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • There are any number of reasons why people choose to surrender a pet to their local shelter or rescue.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In some instances, looters have surrendered items and bones unearthed from graves, according to Jim Watson, associate director at the Arizona State Museum.
    — Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • The steel build won’t budge or buckle, and there are built-in notches to manage cables.
    — Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The material is thicc, and the tall waistband doesn't budge even during the most pretzel-y of poses.
    — Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of budge

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Cite this Entry

“Relent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relent. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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