ABDICATE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

abdicate

verb

ˈab-di-ˌkāt

Definition of abdicate

as in to resign

to give up (as a position of authority) formally the revolutionary government forced Nicholas II to abdicate the Russian throne

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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 Aemond is not going to back down, and Aegon has already ditched his plan to abdicate. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Queen Elizabeth's uncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne within a year of his ascension in order to marry a two-time divorcée, Wallis Simpson. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026 The Thorns were so concerned with Chawinga in that moment that the two defenders who went to try to force her onto her left foot completely abdicated the space that Hopkins was targeting with her run forward. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 Too many people have abdicated their collective responsibility. — Ken Burns, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for abdicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate

Verb

Benton resigned from the legislature July 3 and withdrew from seeking reelection.

— Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
But following the accusations and scrutiny, Arday resigned from his position on Wednesday.

— Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of resign

Verb

The defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers may have to relinquish their title to the surging Atlanta Braves.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The big headline coming out of Santa Clara was Kyle Shanahan’s July car accident and the resulting head injury that’s forced him to relinquish head coaching duties until he’s fully cleared from concussion symptoms.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of relinquish

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“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abdicate

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