consent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of consentnext
as in permission
the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something we had to get our neighbor's consent in order to trim the tree from his side

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

consent

2 of 2

verb

kən-ˈsent How to pronounce consent (audio)
as in to assent
to give or express one's approval (as to a proposal) refused to consent to the marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word consent distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of consent are accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When could accede be used to replace consent?

In some situations, the words accede and consent are roughly equivalent. However, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When would acquiesce be a good substitute for consent?

The words acquiesce and consent can be used in similar contexts, but acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Where would agree be a reasonable alternative to consent?

While the synonyms agree and consent are close in meaning, agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

When might assent be a better fit than consent?

The synonyms assent and consent are sometimes interchangeable, but assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When can subscribe be used instead of consent?

The words subscribe and consent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

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 consent
Noun
The Framework for Research Ethics in Terrorism Studies gives review boards a structured set of questions covering participant vulnerability, consent, anonymity, data security and the safety of the researcher. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The museum also claims that any recognizable subject has given permission to be in the show, though Der Standard questions if and how heirs of certain identifiable figures gave consent. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The funds also had no board of directors that could have consented to certain transactions, and no third party evaluating the purchases and transfers to ensure the funds got an arm’s length deal. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 Or, the prosecution can consent to releasing the defendant on bond. — Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consent
  1. permission
  2. assent
  3. authorization
  4. agree
Noun
  • Last month, San Francisco lawmakers unanimously declared the Latin Rock House a historic landmark, formally protecting the Spanish-style home from being painted over, altered or destroyed by future owners or developers without the city's permission.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Over the years, many singers, including Elvis Presley, asked for permission to record the song.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of permission
Verb
  • False endorsement and misappropriation, FanDuel could insist, are inapplicable to a personalized video setting where the video’s talent voluntarily assents in exchange for compensation.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Their mothers assented because anything the cousins did together could be considered family time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Definition of assent
Noun
  • Although the proposal will remain on Thursday’s agenda because of the 72-hour posting requirement, Kayatta said it will effectively be withdrawn during the meeting with authorization from Board President Tara Jeane.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Telle worked closely on the Abraham Accords and the authorization of the Space Force.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of authorization
Verb
  • Steve Nickson, the long-serving head of recruitment, handed in his notice in mid-June, subsequently agreeing to join Championship side Wrexham.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Reviewers agree that the design looks refined, with leather that feels more expensive than its approachable price point suggests.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of agree

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Consent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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