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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 plan is also to offer access to a live Q&A, where viewers can submit questions for McKenzie, his wife, actor Morena Baccarin, and other cryptocurrency critics and experts. — Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 The agency also asked people to submit any video, audio or still images that may have captured the shooting. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Additionally, 10 of 13 Oregon State women’s basketball players submitted a petition to be recognized as a union by the Oregon Employment Relations Board, the UCAA announced. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 More than 120 prospective investors submitted declarations of interest in the first round, according to league office figures. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for submit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit

Verb

Charlotte Flair’s gear was dedicated to a young WWE fan named Scarlett who recently succumbed to brain cancer.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
By the time officers arrived at the scene, an unidentified female victim had succumbed to her injuries, Smith said.

— Jessie DiMartino, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of succumb

Verb

The three prospects surrendered by Los Angeles are pocket change in the grand scheme of things.

— John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Green Bay’s season ended with a 31-27 los s to the rival Chicago Bears in the NFC wild card playoffs, a game in which the Packers surrendered 25 fourth-quarter points after building a 21-3 halftime lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of surrender

Verb

Hoeld conceded that the recent World Cup tournament had not really added to Puma’s top line in any substantial way.

— Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Megan Romer, a DSA national co-chair and ordained ruling elder within the Presbyterian Church (USA), conceded socialism is a troubling concept for some people of faith.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of concede

Cite this Entry

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“Submit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submit. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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