1
as in succumbed
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surrendered
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
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 capitulated
At its last meeting, the FOMC capitulated and axed interest by 25 basis points, creating cheaper borrowing for consumers, businesses, and the government itself.
—
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Rather than spending millions in a relentless quest to solve the problems wrought by Coors Field, the Rockies appear to have capitulated to its whims.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
General Mills capitulated and brought back the original Trix, artificial dyes and all.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
In the final vote, all 73 Center Party parliamentarians capitulated, justifying their surrender as a necessary evil to save the party.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, Harvard hasn’t capitulated.
—Amy O’Kruk, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately, without the threat of relegation, some teams (and some owners) have capitulated completely on their teams (and perhaps the MLP concept).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Rather than spending millions in a relentless quest to solve the problems wrought by Coors Field, the Rockies appear to have capitulated to its whims.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
General Mills capitulated and brought back the original Trix, artificial dyes and all.
—Alina Selyukh, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
In the final vote, all 73 Center Party parliamentarians capitulated, justifying their surrender as a necessary evil to save the party.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
So far, Harvard hasn’t capitulated.
—Amy O’Kruk, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Unfortunately, without the threat of relegation, some teams (and some owners) have capitulated completely on their teams (and perhaps the MLP concept).
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capitulated
Verb
-
The 35-year-old actress also hasn't succumbed to the new facelift trend, but does plan on having one done at some point.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Unfortunately, Abraham succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Herodotus reasoned that had Helen in fact been within the walls of Troy instead of in Egypt, the Trojans would surely have surrendered her to the Greeks rather than allow their city to be destroyed.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Kendall Bizzell, 22, of Little Rock surrendered on Friday in Little Rock District Court and was arrested on a theft of property charge in the thefts that occurred between June 2 and June 20, the release says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Thomas Frank has preferred to build a solid base and Spurs have conceded the joint-fourth-fewest big chances (12, level with Sunderland, Manchester City and Brighton).—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Republican strategist Charlie Black conceded that Trump keeping Ingrassia in the White House has created a political optics problem for his administration.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And in 2023, Gane could not compete with Jon Jones, who easily took him down and submitted him only minutes into the bout.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Just hours before the filing was submitted, Bovino defended his agency’s conduct in an interview with CBS News.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Guests entered the room, approached the president by the fireplace, and bowed as an aide announced their names.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The Pistons won their first playoff games since 2008 but bowed to the New York Knicks in six games in the first round.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Capitulated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capitulated. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share