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admit defeat

VERB

yield

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bow buy capitulate give up give way leave succumb

STRONG

abandon abdicate bend break cede collapse crumple defer fold go knuckle relax relent relinquish resign sag submit

WEAK

back down call it quits cave in come to terms fold up give oneself over hand over knuckle under lay down arms let go part with suffer defeat throw in the towel

Antonyms

STRONGEST

defend fight

STRONG

agree assert build hide hold increase keep retain rise stay straighten

WEAK

counter deny disallow disapprove oppose prevent refuse reject veto withhold

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.

Never admit defeat, and when things don’t go your way, stand tall, adjust your hat, and find someone to blame.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

Yes, her job is here, and no, she can’t work from home, but to her, leaving the city—even briefly, for some fresh air—is to admit defeat.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

Some of the England players emerged to play football, but eventually even they had to admit defeat and returned to the dressing room soaked to the skin.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2023

Certainly, few people like to admit defeat or to being wrong — but some will go to the most extreme lengths imaginable in order to save their pride.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2023

Thomas hated to admit defeat, but he nodded in agreement.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

admit defeat

Example Sentences

Related Words