Definitions

cede

[seed] / sid /

VERB

abandon, surrender

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capitulate communicate concede give in give up grant hand over relinquish renounce sign over transfer waive

STRONG

abdicate accord alien alienate allow convey drop fold leave resign vouchsafe yield

WEAK

abalienate come across with deed fork over make over part with remise throw in the sponge throw in the towel

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fight hold keep refuse

STRONG

challenge continue deny disallow disapprove maintain oppose reject retain withhold

WEAK

defend gain guard take over 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.

“It would be a missed opportunity to cede this stage.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

No one expected Musk to cede any control of SpaceX.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Maine faces a straightforward choice: compete for this investment or cede it to others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The Chagos Islands are currently owned by the UK, but the British government has agreed to cede sovereignty of them to Mauritius and lease back the base on Diego Garcia.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

It helps to keep in mind that all but four end with cede.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing cede

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