ABDICATE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abdicate' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate . While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent. // abdicated the throne

Q: In what contexts can 'renounce' take the place of 'abdicate'?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end. // renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

Q: When would 'resign' be a good substitute for 'abdicate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate , resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust. // resigned from the board

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt

Definition of abdicate next

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abdicate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words renounce and resign are common synonyms of abdicate. While all three words mean "to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it," abdicate implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent.

abdicated the throne

In what contexts can renounce take the place of abdicate?

The synonyms renounce and abdicate are sometimes interchangeable, but renounce may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end.

renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner

When would resign be a good substitute for abdicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to abdicate, resign applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust.

resigned from the board

Examples 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 abdicate Many of them won’t vote in favor of recessing to literally abdicate the chamber’s constitutional responsibility of advice and consent. —

Tia Yang, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024 Are Biden and Harris abdicating leadership by not standing up and fighting for democracy? —

The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 Brazil had been passive in the group meeting, abdicating possession throughout. —

Jack Lang, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 The risk of abdicating your leadership responsibility to the IT team is only the future of your company. —

Lisa Hale, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abdicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate

Verb

During Trump’s first term, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke resigned from his post in the face of at least six investigations into ethical misconduct allegations and other possible violations.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Jan. 2025
Most Popular Most Popular Gov. Wes Moore pushing new vehicle fees, increases to reverse some transportation cuts Acting head of troubled Maryland psychiatric hospital resigns following facility evaluation Gov. Wes Moore is about to pitch tax cuts and increases for the first time.

— Candy Woodall, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025