1
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
she reluctantly ceded her position as leader
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2
as in to assign
to give over the legal possession or ownership of
Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the settlement of the Spanish-American War
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3
as in to abdicate
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
the President officially cedes his position on the January 20th immediately following the presidential election
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Recent Examples of cede
Trump has previously pushed Ukraine to cede territory to Russia to end the war, threatening to walk away from the peace process if a deal becomes too difficult.
—
Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The way Perry has been able to keep up and mesh with McDavid and Draisaitl on the top line for a good portion of these playoffs — albeit while ceding time to Hyman and Kane — has been so helpful to the Oilers.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 10 May 2025
First war over Kashmir Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan were born in August 1947 after the British ceded colonial control of the subcontinent, and months later, the two new countries were at war for control over the scenic Himalayan territory of Kashmir.
—Asif Shahzad, USA Today, 7 May 2025
This time, however, the president’s racketeering scheme is designed to extract a multibillion dollar minerals deal from Ukraine and to pressure it to cede vast stretches of land to Russia.
—Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cede
Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
The way Perry has been able to keep up and mesh with McDavid and Draisaitl on the top line for a good portion of these playoffs — albeit while ceding time to Hyman and Kane — has been so helpful to the Oilers.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 10 May 2025
First war over Kashmir Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan were born in August 1947 after the British ceded colonial control of the subcontinent, and months later, the two new countries were at war for control over the scenic Himalayan territory of Kashmir.
—Asif Shahzad, USA Today, 7 May 2025
This time, however, the president’s racketeering scheme is designed to extract a multibillion dollar minerals deal from Ukraine and to pressure it to cede vast stretches of land to Russia.
—Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cede
Verb
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In the end, Piastri was forced to relinquish second place too as his teammate Lando Norris swept past him on newer, faster tires once all the cars had bunched up at the end of the race behind the safety car.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
18 May 2025
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There are any number of reasons why owners may choose to relinquish a pet.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 May 2025
Verb
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The re-tasking of U.S. naval ships assigned to the western Pacific theater comes as China—now possessing the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels—expands its military reach and presence in the region, attempting to challenge American naval dominance.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
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Among other resources, three engines have also been assigned to fight the wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Seen for First Time Since Hospitalization King Frederik assumed the throne in January 2024, following Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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Akihito, who ascended to the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in 1989, became the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to abdicate his post.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Calvin Faucher surrendered six runs without securing a single out and Lake Bachar gave up three more as the Cubs posted eight runs on eight hits in the decisive sixth inning of a 14-1 Marlins’ loss at loanDepot park.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
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In many prison camps, the lowest level of security in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), cell phones are so prevalent that those who recently surrender can have one within days of arriving on the compound.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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The Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health then stepped in and transferred the chicks to the First State Animal Center and SPCA.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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The move could force as many as 6,800 foreign students at the school outside of Boston — more than a quarter of its total enrollment — to transfer or leave the country.—
Jimmy Golen,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The demonstration Tuesday evening in front of Seattle City Hall is expected to call on Harrell to retract his statement, apologize, or resign.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 May 2025
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Her firing comes after former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned from her position in 2024 following accusations of academic plagiarism.—
Sophie Clark,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Every explosion, landscape, and detail is rendered with breathtaking clarity, making your gaming sessions more immersive than ever.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
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This global sourcing approach, along with its main customer base focused in North America, renders Lowe’s susceptible to trade disruptions and tariffs.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The only landmark policy that Democrats conveyed to the American people in a half-century is the Affordable Care Act.—
Alexander Heffner,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2025
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With the doors flung open and sun dappling the eclectic interiors, Ngoc Minh Ngo’s photos really convey the easy-breezy quality of summer life for the lucky family.—
Amy Astley,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cede. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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