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

Relevance

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 But Johnson relented and the motion to debate passed 51-49 and Vance wasn’t needed. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 However, at the risk of losing Francesco, the company relented and she was brought back onboard — albeit living in separate quarters. —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2025 This month, the paper’s opinion section relented in its determination to stay out of the mayoral race, sort of, and released a survey of fifteen notable New Yorkers, seven of whom picked Lander as their first-choice candidate. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 So after weeks of negotiations between Phoenix and so many teams around the league, with Houston, San Antonio and Miami known to be Durant’s preferred destinations and, per league sources, the Suns exploring a variety of three-team structures that never materialized, the Rockets relented. —Kelly Iko, New York Times, 22 June 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
  • McKinley succumbed eight days later, and was succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
  • If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
Definition of succumb
Verb
  • Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is.
    — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • Riding the wave Still other curveballs can await a player after the draft night buzz has subsided.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Definition of subside
Verb
  • The new program allows customers nationwide to submit their ideas for new Whopper sandwiches on the chain's official website.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • You'll also be required to submit a request form to skip a payment.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Definition of submit
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the cultural visibility of this incomparable art has been diminishing for years, at least in this country.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Family members conceded that the trial was very tolling and difficult on them.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • Spending that much wasn’t necessary, of course, and Varas concedes some of the features could have been downgraded.
    — Denise Hruby Updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Definition of concede
Verb
  • This would decrease in the following months to reach a low of 41 percent in April.
    — Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Older people may have decreased appetites or struggle to shop for food and prepare meals.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Warren then surrendered Ozzie Albies’ second three-run homer in as many days in the fourth.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025
  • Faced with no other option, the heartbroken family surrendered Draco to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), despite having loved and raised him for over five years.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • Many will not budge off of Jordan being the best player of all-time, but there are also many who will argue tooth and nail that James deserves the title.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Molson Coors Beer maker Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP) was on this list a year ago, and its stock price has barely budged since then.
    — John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of budge

Browse Nearby Words

relegations
relent
relented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on relent

Nglish: Translation of relent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All