give way

phrase

Synonyms of give waynext
1
a
: retreat
b
: to yield the right of way
2
: to yield oneself without restraint or control
3
a
: to yield to or as if to physical stress
The roof gave way under heavy snow.
b
: to yield to entreaty or insistence
After several hours of debate, the opposition finally gave way.
4
: to yield place
Farmland has given way to shopping malls.
5
: to begin to row

Examples of give way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
By the end of production, that fear had given way to confidence. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Desperate to get that handsome life back, Hagen undergoes an experimental procedure at the hands of a scientist (Naomi Ackie) that initially works only to give way to a scary new reality with shape-shifting skin. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Mickelson noted that every ceiling in the theater is different — a coffered ceiling with hexagonal panels gives way to plaster beams designed and painted to look like wood. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Examples of interpersonal violence are rare among Stone Age remains, only becoming common later as hunting and gathering gave way to settled farming communities. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for give way

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of give way was in the 15th century

Rhymes for give way

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Browse Nearby Words

give voice to
give way
give witness to
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20way. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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