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.

Part of the never-ending parade of young Americans who relinquish their civilian lives and prepare to be sent to points unknown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The Briton lost just one point over his next three service games and would not relinquish control of the tie-break after winning four of the first five points.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Hedda, like Hamlet, doesn’t relinquish her mystery, which is why we keep returning to her tragedy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Skiers have to re-don their skis at the top for one final climb, and Fatton was much slicker than Harrop, racing away to a lead she never looked likely to relinquish.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Indeed, Woodall refused to relinquish leadership of the expedition or make any kind of compromise, even after he received a message from President Mandela appealing for reconciliation as a matter of national interest.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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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