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Definitions

give-up

[giv-uhp] / ˈgɪvˌʌp /
NOUN
refund
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allowance compensation discount kickback payment rebate reimbursement repayment restitution
STRONG
acquittance consolation discharge remuneration retribution return satisfaction settlement
WEAK
giveback money back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
penalty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for give up?
Give up most commonly means to quit—to stop trying. Sometimes, it means to stop doing something, such as a habit or activity, as in I want to give up smoking. Close synonyms for this sense are quit and stop. More formal words cease and abstain. An informal term is swear off. In specific situations, such as a game or competition, to give up is to resign, retire, withdraw, or, more informally, to bow out. Giving up in these cases can be seen as a form of surrender. Give up is also used in a number of other ways. To give up information is to reveal or disclose it, especially when forced to. To give up a possession is to relinquish it. To give up a person usually means to turn them over to the authorities or reveal their location.
What is another way to describe someone who doesn’t give up easily?
Someone who doesn’t give up easily might be described as determined, tenacious, unyielding, dogged, or steadfast.
What is another word for giving up power?
To give up power, especially an official position, is to abdicate, relinquish the role, or, step down. The word abdicate is quite formal; step down is informal.
How do you use give up in a sentence?
Give up has a lot of different uses. Most of them involve quitting or relinquishing something. Here are some examples of give up in a sentence:
  • We can’t just give up—we need to keep trying. 
  • I’m going to give up on trying to write the essay for tonight.
  • She decided to give up sweets for a month.
  • The double agent gave up the location of the documents. 
  • He will never give up power unless he is forced to.

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.

"A real end," he said, which might include "a complete give-up".

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2025

But since that big scamper, Hasty has carried 10 times for 21 yards, with 12 of those coming on a third-and-28 give-up play against Denver in London.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

"There’s no give-up in this team," Kemp said.

From Fox News • Aug. 30, 2021

Fans, with good reason, might stop buying tickets during a give-up era when the owner still makes a profits from revenue that are shared throughout MLB.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2019

Spider did not belong to the give-up class.

From Happy Days for Boys and Girls by Various

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.