acquiesce

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.