capitulate

verb

kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce capitulate (audio)
Definition of capitulatenext
1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surrender
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capitulate differ from other similar words?

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

While in some cases nearly identical to capitulate, 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 it sensible to use relent instead of capitulate?

While the synonyms relent and capitulate are close in meaning, 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 can submit be used instead of capitulate?

The synonyms submit and capitulate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 succumb be used to replace capitulate?

The words succumb and capitulate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is yield a more appropriate choice than capitulate?

In some situations, the words yield and capitulate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 capitulate Popular thinking—supported by visceral emotion and political rhetoric—is that groups like Hamas only capitulate when confronted with overwhelming force. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 By Netanyahu’s logic, the bombing must continue until Hamas simply capitulates but, illogically, releases the hostages first. —Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 The firm cut its losses by capitulating, not fighting. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 In his first five episodes, Newsom has mostly capitulated to right-wing guests, agreeing with them on issues such as trans women competing in sports and the vilification of white men. —David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capitulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulate
  1. succumb
  2. surrender
  3. submit
  4. concede
Verb
  • The houses also provided a measure of protection for the young women away from home and assumed to be in danger of succumbing to urban corruption.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the disparity in shots, Eastern Hills held on, but finally succumbed to Lake Dallas 4-1. Lake Dallas (15-6-2) moves on and will face undefeated Waxahachie Life (24-0-0) in the area round next week.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of succumb
Verb
  • Read Next South Carolina Blind dog surrendered when owner couldn’t care for her.
    — Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Former Rams great Andrew Whitworth is spearheading a push to shine a spotlight on NFL offensive linemen, a position group that often gets attention for the wrong reasons — surrendering a sack or getting flagged for a penalty.
    — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of surrender
Verb
  • In a concurring opinion submitted with a unanimous denial of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III −a Reagan appointee − laid out an argument that sending deportees out of the country would allow the government to avoid due process.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • People who submitted a DNA sample to 23andMe for genetic testing can get that data deleted, something Washington state officials are highlighting after the company filed for bankruptcy last month.
    — Melissa Santos, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of submit
Verb
  • Deputy Latah County Prosecutor Ashley Jennings also flat out denied Taylor's accusations that prosecutors were slow-walking discovery and said everything the defense has asked for has been provided, a point that Taylor conceded in front of the judge.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His interrogator conceded that the police must have gotten the wrong guy and released him within weeks.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concede

Browse Nearby Words

capitulary
capitulate
capitulated
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Cite this Entry

“Capitulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of capitulate for Spanish Speakers

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