capitulate

verb

kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce capitulate (audio)
Definition of capitulatenext
1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surrender
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Rather than capitulate, Kadyrov and Batischev decided to open Door Number 2. —Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 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 Meanwhile, the university is facing growing backlash, with several critics arguing that Columbia should use its immense endowment to cover the shortfall rather than capitulate. —Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025 Higher education officials and advocates will be watching closely to see if Princeton follows Columbia’s lead of capitulating to the government or trying to fight the cuts. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
  1. succumb
  2. surrender
  3. submit
  4. concede
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
  • However, the music exec succumbed to his conditions.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of succumb
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
  • Instead, the Brewers allowed 36 runs, surrendering 15 home runs, as the Yanks swept the three games.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • People who submitted a DNA sample to 23andMe for genetic testing can get that data deleted, something Washington state officials are highlighting after the company filed for bankruptcy last month.
    — Melissa Santos, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Nearly 140 local artists then submitted original designs with personal statements explaining the image and themes used.
    — Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of submit
Verb
  • His interrogator conceded that the police must have gotten the wrong guy and released him within weeks.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Deputy Latah County Prosecutor Ashley Jennings also flat out denied Taylor's accusations that prosecutors were slow-walking discovery and said everything the defense has asked for has been provided, a point that Taylor conceded in front of the judge.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concede

Browse Nearby Words

capitulary
capitulate
capitulated
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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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