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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.

Ford Motor, GM and Jeep-Ram parent Stellantis would eventually cede the small-car market entirely to these competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The Chagos Islands are currently owned by the UK, but the British government has agreed to cede sovereignty of them to Mauritius and lease back the base on Diego Garcia.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

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

I cede control to my lower half, which is actually pointing toward my room, and lead Nia to it.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini