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Definitions

acquiesce

[ak-wee-es] / ˌæk wiˈɛs /
VERB
agree with some reluctance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accede cave in comply concur conform give in go along
STRONG
accept accommodate adapt adjust agree allow approve buy consent ditto jibe okay pass reconcile set submit subscribe yield
WEAK
bow to come across come around cry uncle cut a deal give out play ball roll over and play dead say uncle shake on yes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny differ oppose refuse reject
STRONG
decline disagree disallow disapprove disarrange disorder dispute dissent dissuade hinder prevent protest resist unfit unsuit veto
WEAK
object

Frequently Asked Questions

How is acquiesce different from similar verbs?
Acquiesce is a pretty specific word. It means to comply, especially silently or without protest. It often (though not always) implies that the person complying is giving in or surrendering (and it might even imply that they’re weak for doing so). It’s especially used in the context of giving into someone’s requests or demands, as in You can’t always acquiesce to his demands—you need to stand up for yourself!
What is another word for acquiesce?
The synonym submit is close in meaning, and it can also imply that someone is giving in or surrendering. In fact, give in and surrender can also be used as synonyms, though they always emphasize this aspect of the word. Cave is a more informal way of saying this, as in Don’t cave to his demands.  The verbs comply, agree, consent, and assent are much more general and neutral—they don’t typically imply a sense of surrender.
When should accede be used instead of acquiesce?
Accede is close in meaning to acquiesce—it means to give consent or approval or to agree to something. However, it does not typically imply that such consent is a form of surrender or giving in.
What is the opposite (antonym) of acquiesce?
Acquiesce means to comply, and words that mean the opposite of that include dissent, disagree, and refuse. The general sense of the verb protest especially indicates that the disagreement or disapproval is done in a vocal or public way—the opposite of silently acquiescing.
What's the difference between acquiesce vs. acquiescence?
Acquiesce is a verb. Acquiescence is a noun that means the act of acquiescing, as in Our acquiescence is based on a few conditions. The adjective form is acquiescent, which describes someone who is likely to acquiesce.
How do you use acquiesce in a sentence?
Acquiesce is a somewhat formal word, and it can have some negative implications, so take care to use it in the right situations. Here are some examples of acquiesce in a sentence:
  • They are threatening to terminate the contract if we don’t acquiesce to the new terms. 
  • If you were to ask politely, I would be inclined to acquiesce. 
  • I’m afraid they will never acquiesce, regardless of what offer we make.

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.

Sometimes, it’s easier to say “no” to a request than to resist someone pulling at your heartstrings to acquiesce to their wishes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Amodei said on Thursday he would rather stop working with the Pentagon than acquiesce to such threats.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

The social compact that endured since that trauma was that Iranians would acquiesce to hardship and restrictions in return for a strong state that protects them from foreign attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

They refuse to give up their own potential or acquiesce to a narrative that portrays their strengths as weaknesses, so they succeed in manifesting a treasure that nobody even thought was real.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

They are deceiv’d that acquiesce to things which they have heard, and believe not what they have seen.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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