abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt How to pronounce abdicate (audio)
Definition of abdicatenext
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

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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

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 abdicate Royal experts emphasized to Fox News Digital there's no reason to believe the king will abdicate anytime soon due to any health concerns. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025 When OPMs control recruitment, curriculum, and delivery, universities abdicate their educational mission. —Scott White, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Speaker Johnson has completely abdicated that responsibility. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 Queen Margrethe abdicated in January 2024, making her elder son and successor the new King Frederik. —Janine Henni, People.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for abdicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate
  1. resign
  2. relinquish
  3. renounce
Verb
  • DeJoy resigned in March after President Donald Trump took office again and voiced his consideration to privatize USPS, meaning that mail service would no longer be public but rather owned and run by private companies.
    — Mackenzie Thomas, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
  • The government’s refusal to disclose further information about the Epstein case has provoked an outcry from many of Trump’s supporters, with key right-wing figures like Megyn Kelly, Glenn Beck and Laura Loomer calling for Bondi to be fired or resign.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of resign
Verb
  • This often dampens enthusiasm, and indeed, the stock relinquished some of its gains in after-hours trading.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The residence was purchased in the 1970s for just $900,000 by the late radio concert promoter and radio station magnate Ken Roberts, who wound up relinquishing it to the financial services firm New Stream Capital in 2010 to settle a $27.5 million legal claim.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Definition of relinquish
Verb
  • Crucially, the tax law defines the expatriation date for various classes of cases, such as those who renounce U.S. citizenship, or give up long term residency.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • In this entertaining sequel, Lois learns Clark's identity, prompting him to renounce his Kryptonian superpowers — a process that, as his late mom (Susannah York) repeatedly tells him, is irreversible.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of renounce

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Cite this Entry

“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of abdicate for Spanish Speakers

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