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Definitions

relent

[ri-lent] / rɪˈlɛnt /
VERB
die down; let up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquiesce capitulate cave in come around comply ease off give in give up let go quit relax slacken soften subside
STRONG
drop ease ebb fall fold forbear melt moderate slow wane weaken yield
WEAK
be merciful change one's mind cool it cry uncle die away ease up on give quarter give some slack give way go along with go easy on have mercy have pity lay back let it happen lighten up mellow out say uncle show mercy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
grow increase worry
STRONG
advance ascend continue free rise
WEAK
build

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.

They started to relent in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked a global energy crunch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

I relent that I’m both a lapsed fashion student and someone who spent their adolescence and early teens marveling at Jacobs’ designs and Coppola’s films.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

This was the Dodgers once again swallowing all the pressure and refusing to relent.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

Spare a thought then for Switzerland, which has been hit with punitive tariffs of 39%, and has so far been unable to persuade the US president to relent.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

The chorus of grizzling was so loud and long that I was surprised she didn’t relent and go back on her plan.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.