Definitions

relinquish

[ri-ling-kwish] / rɪˈlɪŋ kwɪʃ /

VERB

give up, let go

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon abdicate cede drop out forgo hand over quit renounce surrender vacate waive withdraw yield

STRONG

abnegate cast desert discard ditch drop dump forbear forsake forswear kick leave release repudiate resign sacrifice shed

WEAK

back down cast off cut loose drop like hot potato kiss good-bye lay aside opt out quit cold turkey retire from stand down swear off take the oath take the pledge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow assert claim continue defend fight hold keep remain retain stay win

STRONG

gather maintain revert take up

WEAK

take

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.

Nick Timoney's early converted try gave Ulster the perfect start, but Montpellier soon capitalised on mistakes to take a lead they would not relinquish.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

And it permits genetic donors to formally relinquish all parental rights over “the resulting children.”

From Slate • May 13, 2026

“It seems inconceivable to me that we would voluntarily relinquish the leadership that has propelled our country, fueled the economy, made us healthier, and made us safer,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

He would relinquish his chairmanship next month to Kevin Warsh, as well as his separate seat as governor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“We will not relinquish the children without a court order.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Vocabulary lists containing relinquish

The Declaration of Independence

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The Giver

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

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