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Showing results for relinquish. Search instead for relinqu.
Definitions

relinquish

[ri-ling-kwish] / rɪˈlɪŋ kwɪʃ /
VERB
give up, let go
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abandon abdicate cede drop out forgo hand over quit renounce surrender vacate waive withdraw yield
STRONG
abnegate cast desert discard ditch drop dump forbear forsake forswear kick leave release repudiate resign sacrifice shed
WEAK
back down cast off cut loose drop like hot potato kiss good-bye lay aside opt out quit cold turkey retire from stand down swear off take the oath take the pledge
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow assert claim continue defend fight hold keep remain retain stay win
STRONG
gather maintain revert take up
WEAK
take

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.

Part of the never-ending parade of young Americans who relinquish their civilian lives and prepare to be sent to points unknown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The Briton lost just one point over his next three service games and would not relinquish control of the tie-break after winning four of the first five points.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Skiers have to re-don their skis at the top for one final climb, and Fatton was much slicker than Harrop, racing away to a lead she never looked likely to relinquish.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

At some point, you will have to relinquish the control you have over your children.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 16, 2026

“We will not relinquish the children without a court order.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

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