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 Wasserman Schultz’s decision to abdicate her former District, 25, which was split into five, and run in the adjacent deep-blue district, angered Black Democrats and frustrated party leadership. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, tried to bring what was seen as an aloof monarchy closer to the people, an example followed by his son, Naruhito, and his family. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 This is what the impeachment process was designed for, to remove public officials abdicating their responsibilities. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 Their royal wedding took place in Copenhagen on May 14, 2004, and Frederik and Mary were crowned King and Queen of Denmark in January 2024, after Margrethe abdicated the throne after 52 years, citing health concerns. — Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abdicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abdicate

Verb

This week, multiple deputies in the Hall County Sheriff's Office resigned amid ongoing Flock misuse investigations.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Russini resigned from The Athletic in April, less than a week after photos of her and the married Vrabel, 51, at an Arizona hotel drew scrutiny.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of resign

Verb

Venus Venus will soon be relinquishing its dominance of the early evening sky.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
While Velocity Arts is within the city’s service area, the Utilities Department may relinquish this area to Evergy or another third party provider to serve the project, according to city documents.

— Taylor O'Connor August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of relinquish

Verb

Know More Andrews wants the party to embrace term limits and renounce congressional stock trading and corporate contributions.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Eric Lai, a senior fellow with the Georgetown Center for Asian Law, said every actor in Hong Kong civil society who assumed that renouncing violence and working within the law would be fine has to revise that assumption.

— Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of renounce

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“Abdicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abdicate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abdicate

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