acquiescence

noun

ac·​qui·​es·​cence ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce acquiescence (audio)
1
: passive acceptance or submission : the act of acquiescing or the state of being acquiescent
I was surprised by his acquiescence to their demands.
2
: an instance of acquiescing

Examples of acquiescence in a Sentence

good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner
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.
Republican Dwight Eisenhower’s election in 1952 resulted in GOP acquiescence in the New Deal’s expansion of federal authority. Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 Even now, after more than two and a half years of fighting, most polling shows Russians generally displaying support, or at least acquiescence, to the war, although some dents appear to be showing. Peter Pomerantsev, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 These nuns will also act as silent servants, ferrying the men’s food from kitchen to table with cheerful acquiescence. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 Indeed, acquiescence is its own form of tacit support. Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acquiescence 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acquiescer "to acquiesce" + -ence -ence

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquiescence was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near acquiescence

Cite this Entry

“Acquiescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquiescence. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on acquiescence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!