Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Capitulate” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
To give up or surrender, usually after agreeing on terms or conditions. It's a formal way of saying someone stopped fighting and accepted defeat.
Meaning of Capitulate
To surrender under agreed or specified terms; to cease resistance and accept defeat.
How to Pronounce Capitulate
IPA: /kəˈpɪtʃuleɪt/ Stress: oOoo
Stress the second syllable: kuh-PIT-chuh-layt. The 'ch' sounds like 'ch' in 'church'.
5 Synonyms for Capitulate — Words Similar to Capitulate
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
surrender
/səˈrendər/To give up completely and stop fighting or resisting. To hand over control or yourself to someone else.
Example: The general ordered his troops to surrender to avoid further casualties.
yield
/jiːld/To stop resisting and agree to what someone wants. Or, to produce something like a crop or profit. Or, to give way physically when something is pushed.
Example: After weeks of negotiation, the union finally agreed to yield on wages.
submit
/səbˈmɪt/To give or send something officially to someone in charge for them to look at.
Example: You must submit your assignment by Friday.
Smart Synonyms for Capitulate — When to Use Each
surrender
More general; can mean immediate giving up without
yield
Slightly less formal; implies gradual concession
submit
Emphasizes accepting authority or demands
How to Use Capitulate and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- After a six-month siege, the fortress finally capitulated to enemy forces. C2
- The government capitulated to pressure from international organizations. C2
- Despite their initial resolve, the rebels capitulated when supplies ran out. C2
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Capitulate
Not natural: He capitulated but he continued fighting.
Better: He capitulated, but he later changed his mind. / He resisted instead of capitulating.
'Capitulate' means to stop resistance. If fighting continued, capitulation didn't occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Capitulate
What is another word for "capitulate"?
Common synonyms for "capitulate" include: surrender, yield, give up, concede, submit.
What can I say instead of "capitulate"?
Try one of these alternatives: surrender, yield, give up, concede, submit. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "capitulate" formal or informal?
"capitulate" is generally used in formal contexts. Use it in writing, business, and academic settings.
When should I use "capitulate" instead of "surrender"?
Use "capitulate" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "surrender" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.