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Definitions

abandon

[uh-ban-duhn] / əˈbæn dən /
NOUN
careless disregard for consequences
Synonyms
STRONGEST
spontaneity
STRONG
disregard freedom impulse licentiousness recklessness thoughtlessness unrestraint wantonness wildness
WEAK
uninhibitedness
Antonyms
WEAK
restraint self-restraint
VERB
leave behind, relinquish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
desert discard discontinue ditch drop out dump leave pull out quit stop surrender vacate withdraw
STRONG
abdicate drop duck dust screw yield
WEAK
back out bail out bow out chicken out cop out cut loose flake out fly the coop give up the ship kiss goodbye leg it let go opt out run out on ship out storm out take a powder take a walk throw over walk out on wash hands of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance allow begin come continue go hold keep maintain persevere remain start stay
WEAK
adopt assert cherish defend favor pursue retain support uphold
VERB
leave in troubled state
Synonyms
STRONGEST
desert forsake leave leave behind quit reject renounce
STRONG
disown jilt
WEAK
back out throw over walk out on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow approve come continue stay
WEAK
adopt assert cherish defend favor keep pursue retain support uphold

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.

The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN last week published allegations by several women about Swalwell's conduct, leading his most prominent backers to abandon him.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

He also urged Swalwell to abandon his campaign, saying he was deeply distressed after reading the Chronicle article.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

If America were to abandon its insistence on secure navigation in international waters, it would reverse U.S. foreign and security policy since the maritime Quasi-War with France in 1798.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

I didn’t want to abandon that instinct so much as … give it a little more range.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Even the most optimistic staff began to cancel meetings, abandon research projects, and shelve any new ideas.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing abandon

Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Perils of Indifference," Vocabulary from the speech

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Story of an Hour"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!