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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Synonym Chooser

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 The recordings are encrypted and not available for viewing or listening unless submitted with a safety incident to the company. —

Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The brewery opted not to submit any beers to the State Fair’s competition, according to the log of entries. —

Jack Rodriquez-Vars july 13, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025 After nearly three years of discussion and refinement, plans have been submitted to the city of San Diego for a pair of monument signs to mark La Jolla’s Bird Rock area. —

Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025 Detectives are reviewing forensic leads and information submitted through a tip line, police said. —

Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for submit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit

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

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

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Last Updated: 28 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of submit

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Synonyms of submit

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More from Merriam-Webster on submit

More from Merriam-Webster

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