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as in to capitulate
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the fort's commander received orders not to submit under any circumstances, as reinforcements were on the way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb submit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of submit are capitulate, defer, relent, succumb, and yield. While all these words mean "to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist," 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 could capitulate be used to replace submit?

The words capitulate and submit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When is it sensible to use defer instead of submit?

The words defer and submit can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is relent a more appropriate choice than submit?

While in some cases nearly identical to submit, 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 might succumb be a better fit than submit?

Although the words succumb and submit have much in common, 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 submit?

The meanings of yield and submit largely overlap; however, yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty.

yields too easily in any argument

Examples 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 submit Forms can be found and submitted online or via mail. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 The plan will be submitted for approval by the independent monitor and the DOJ for review and approval. Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024 Companies that focus primarily on developing and providing education technology are encouraged to submit applications as part of the research phase. Time Staff, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024 Hunter Biden was convicted of lying on a federal form about his drug use to purchase a revolver, submitting a false statement into a federal record, and unlawfully possessing the firearm for 11 days. Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for submit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for submit
Verb
  • Local authorities had told Reuters that 143 people have succumbed to the illness since late October.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Both officers were transported to the hospital, where 23-year-old Briese succumbed to his injuries.
    Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • According to court documents, Dali, who did not enter a plea during her arraignment, will reside in Philadelphia and must submit to GPS monitoring, a mental health evaluation, and surrender any travel documents.
    Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Air National Guard squadron Maryland won’t easily surrender NFL’s Commanders; state pursues D.C.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Gray was ahead by 187 votes in the 13th Congressional District when Duarte conceded Tuesday evening — the closest margin in the country.
    Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Gray declared victory and Duarte conceded late Tuesday as the final votes were tallied.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near submit

Cite this Entry

“Submit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submit. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on submit

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