Definitions

acquiesce

[ak-wee-es] / ˌæk wiˈɛs /

VERB

agree with some reluctance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accede cave in comply concur conform give in go along

STRONG

accept accommodate adapt adjust agree allow approve buy consent ditto jibe okay pass reconcile set submit subscribe yield

WEAK

bow to come across come around cry uncle cut a deal give out play ball roll over and play dead say uncle shake on yes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny differ oppose refuse reject

STRONG

decline disagree disallow disapprove disarrange disorder dispute dissent dissuade hinder prevent protest resist unfit unsuit veto

WEAK

object

Frequently Asked Questions

How is acquiesce different from similar verbs?

Acquiesce is a pretty specific word. It means to comply, especially silently or without protest. It often (though not always) implies that the person complying is giving in or surrendering (and it might even imply that they’re weak for doing so). It’s especially used in the context of giving into someone’s requests or demands, as in You can’t always acquiesce to his demands—you need to stand up for yourself!

What is another word for acquiesce?

The synonym submit is close in meaning, and it can also imply that someone is giving in or surrendering. In fact, give in and surrender can also be used as synonyms, though they always emphasize this aspect of the word. Cave is a more informal way of saying this, as in Don’t cave to his demands. The verbs comply, agree, consent, and assent are much more general and neutral—they don’t typically imply a sense of surrender.

When should accede be used instead of acquiesce?

Accede is close in meaning to acquiesce—it means to give consent or approval or to agree to something. However, it does not typically imply that such consent is a form of surrender or giving in.

What is the opposite (antonym) of acquiesce?

Acquiesce means to comply, and words that mean the opposite of that include dissent, disagree, and refuse. The general sense of the verb protest especially indicates that the disagreement or disapproval is done in a vocal or public way—the opposite of silently acquiescing.

What's the difference between acquiesce vs. acquiescence?

Acquiesce is a verb. Acquiescence is a noun that means the act of acquiescing, as in Our acquiescence is based on a few conditions. The adjective form is acquiescent, which describes someone who is likely to acquiesce.

How do you use acquiesce in a sentence?

Acquiesce is a somewhat formal word, and it can have some negative implications, so take care to use it in the right situations. Here are some examples of acquiesce in a sentence:

They are threatening to terminate the contract if we don’t acquiesce to the new terms.
If you were to ask politely, I would be inclined to acquiesce.
I’m afraid they will never acquiesce, regardless of what offer we make.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity,” Paltrow posted to her 8.3 million Instagram followers after the verdict.

From Seattle Times

Most people who have been through an office redesign get the feeling that companies solicit workers' views less to inform the design than to get them to acquiesce in whatever top management has already decided.

From Scientific American

But the competition “does not mean we will acquiesce to every demand.”

From Washington Times

Ten years later, the Seahawks have decided to forgo stability, acquiesce to Wilson’s desire for something new and play the value game with a seemingly invaluable commodity.

From Washington Post

They argue, in particular, that Democratic leaders undercut the bill by acquiescing to Republicans’ demands that the coronavirus funding comes from unspent money already appropriated for the pandemic.

From Washington Times

acquiesce

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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