Definitions

cede

[seed] / sid /

VERB

abandon, surrender

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capitulate communicate concede give in give up grant hand over relinquish renounce sign over transfer waive

STRONG

abdicate accord alien alienate allow convey drop fold leave resign vouchsafe yield

WEAK

abalienate come across with deed fork over make over part with remise throw in the sponge throw in the towel

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fight hold keep refuse

STRONG

challenge continue deny disallow disapprove maintain oppose reject retain withhold

WEAK

defend gain guard take over win

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.

These descriptions do not suggest in any way that Congress “intended to cede its taxing power.”

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026

One reason the U.S. is seen as likely to cede ground is the leverage External link Beijing has shown as it and Washington spar over trade.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Holloway, a former army officer, said the deal to cede the islands to Mauritius was "completely crazy".

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Institutions will have to change, particularly at the pan-European level, as national governments cede some new powers to Brussels but reclaim other responsibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

President Higinbotham said he would resign before he would cede such power to anyone.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Vocabulary lists containing cede

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