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Definitions

succumb

[suh-kuhm] / səˈkʌm /
VERB
die or surrender
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bow break down buckle capitulate cave in cease defer give in give way go down pass away perish quit wilt yield
STRONG
accede cave collapse croak decease demise depart drop expire fall fold go knuckle pass submit
WEAK
eat crow fall victim to flake out give in to give out give up the ghost go under knuckle under meet waterloo pack it in show white flag take the count throw in the towel
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continue defend fight
STRONG
ascend deny refuse rise stay
WEAK
conquer overcome 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.

What if they were something to which we could, if not entirely succumb, then at least give freer rein?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack on Tuesday, saying that "Nigeria will not succumb to fear".

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Goldin witnessed these protests firsthand coming up in the New York art scene, watching countless loved ones succumb to a disease that the government refused to address.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Given "the fear of falling behind" the United States and China in developing AI technologies, Prissard said that Europe may succumb to the "temptation to allow more leeway to innovate without obstacles".

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Others succumb, and in squalor see their last vision of Time.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson