SUBMIT Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'submit' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When could 'capitulate' be used to replace 'submit'?

The words capitulate and submit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'defer' instead of 'submit'?

The words defer and submit can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is 'relent' a more appropriate choice than 'submit'?

While in some cases nearly identical to submit , relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand. // finally relented and let the children stay up late

Q: When might 'succumb' be a better fit than 'submit'?

Although the words succumb and submit have much in common, 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

Q: When would 'yield' be a good substitute for 'submit'?

The meanings of yield and submit largely overlap; however, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty. // yields too easily in any argument

submit

verb

səb-ˈmit

Definition of submit next

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) in the end he submitted and agreed to take that awful-tasting medicine

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as in to surrender

to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit) refusing to submit to sleep, she stayed by her son's hospital bed the whole night

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as in to capitulate

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the fort's commander received orders not to submit under any circumstances, as reinforcements were on the way

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How does the verb submit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of submit are capitulate, defer, relent, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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 capitulate be used to replace submit?

The words capitulate and submit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use defer instead of submit?

The words defer and submit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 relent a more appropriate choice than submit?

While in some cases nearly identical to submit, 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 might succumb be a better fit than submit?

Although the words succumb and submit have much in common, 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 submit?

The meanings of yield and submit largely overlap; 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 submit While the group has only submitted the proposal to the city, there is no guarantee the City Council will consider it. —

Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025 This year’s winners were selected from over 11,750 films submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories. —

Leia Mendoza, Variety, 6 June 2025 Costco Wholesale recently submitted plans to the City of Sanford calling for a 156,454-square-foot membership warehouse store, 847 parking spaces, and a gas station to replace the former Macy’s building and a parking lot south of the mall, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. —

Tyler Williams, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025 There’s a lengthy, awkward, process to get your money back, which includes submitting a claim and waiting for approval. —

Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for submit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit

Verb

Sadly, Verstappen is not the only multiple-time world champion to succumb to such behavior.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
At the former, Zosia quietly sits with Kiko, who has just succumbed to his gunshot wound.

— Matt Cabral, EW.com, 1 June 2025

Definition of succumb

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“Submit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submit. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Last Updated: 10 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of submit

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More from Merriam-Webster on submit

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

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