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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’d rather be called a prude than acquiesce to society’s slow drift into vice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

Sometimes, it’s easier to say “no” to a request than to resist someone pulling at your heartstrings to acquiesce to their wishes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

"You will be the same person that will castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he added.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

He can adhere to the letter of the judge’s order and acquiesce in potentially laying the groundwork to dismiss the case at an irremediable point.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024

They are deceiv’d that acquiesce to things which they have heard, and believe not what they have seen.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

acquiesce

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing acquiesce

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

The Declaration of Independence

acquiesce

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing acquiesce

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"

The Declaration of Independence