Synonyms of relent

relent

verb

ri-ˈlent 

1

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)

the supervisor finally relented in the face of the petition, and allowed employees to take longer lunch breaks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succumb
• submit
• concede
• surrender
• budge
• capitulate
• bow
• yield
• quit
• blink
• acquiesce
• give in
• throw in the sponge
• knuckle under
• say uncle
• throw in the towel
• defer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resist
• contend
• fight
• oppose
• meet
• confront
• face
• defy
• object
• breast
• withstand
• counter
• combat
• hold off
• repel
• thwart
• battle

2

as in to subside

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

the fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subside
• diminish
• decrease
• fall
• vanish
• shrink
• decline
• ease
• recede
• wane
• lessen
• die (away or down or out)
• abate
• weaken
• moderate
• dwindle
• taper
• ebb
• drop (off)
• fall away
• taper off
• drain (away)
• evaporate
• pall
• remit
• phase down
• let up
• lower
• ratchet (down)
• rachet (down)
• de-escalate
• constrict
• slacken
• compress
• alleviate
• condense
• tail (off)
• collapse
• slow (down)
• contract
• relax
• fade (away)
• melt (away)
• give out
• peter (out)
• fritter (away)
• sink
• deflate
• cave (in)
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• intensify
• grow
• build
• rise
• escalate
• expand
• accumulate
• appear
• mount
• swell
• enlarge
• soar
• emerge
• pick up
• snowball
• wax
• balloon
• burgeon
• mushroom
• show up
• bourgeon
• lengthen
• distend
• elongate
• blow up

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relent are capitulate, defer, submit, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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 is capitulate a more appropriate choice than relent?

The meanings of capitulate and relent largely overlap; however, 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

Where would defer be a reasonable alternative to relent?

Although the words defer and relent have much in common, 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 can submit be used instead of relent?

In some situations, the words submit and relent are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is it sensible to use succumb instead of relent?

While in some cases nearly identical to relent, 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 relent?

While the synonyms yield and relent are close in meaning, 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

Recent Examples of relent

But after battling the authorities for five years, Mr. Morandi relented. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

But with the election over and President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, some aides thought there might be a slim chance to persuade Biden to relent in his last days in office, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. —Ellen Nakashima, arkansasonline.com, 6 Jan. 2025

His backing of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in 2023 did little to dislodge the Californian's right-wing detractors, who only relented after 15 grueling ballots. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024

With President-elect Donald Trump set to enter the White House soon, Putin appeared to relent a little on Ukraine. —NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024