Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Surrender” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
To give up completely and stop fighting or resisting. To hand over control or yourself to someone else.
Meaning of Surrender
To give up power, control, or possession; to cease resistance and submit; to give oneself up, especially to authorities.
How to Pronounce Surrender
IPA: /səˈrendər/ Stress: oOo
Stress the second syllable: sur-REN-der. The first syllable 'sur' sounds like 'ser' in 'serve'. The final 'er' is reduced and sounds like 'ur'.
5 Synonyms for Surrender — Words Similar to Surrender
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
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.
capitulate
/kəˈpɪtʃuleɪt/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.
Example: After a six-month siege, the fortress finally capitulated to enemy forces.
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.
relinquish
/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/To let go of something you own or control on purpose. You choose to give it up completely.
Example: After decades in politics, the senator decided to relinquish his position and retire.
Smart Synonyms for Surrender — When to Use Each
give up
More informal; same basic meaning as surrender
capitulate
More formal; to surrender
yield
To concede pressure; slightly less absolute than surrender
submit
To accept authority or control
How to Use Surrender and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The general ordered his troops to surrender to avoid further casualties. B2
- She had to surrender her passport at the border control. B2
- The suspect decided to surrender to police rather than face a manhunt. B2
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Surrender
Not natural: She surrendered her dream.
Better: She abandoned her dream. / She gave up on her dream. / She relinquished her ambitions.
'Surrender' is too strong and formal for personal dreams. Use 'give up' or 'abandon' for personal goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Surrender
What is another word for "surrender"?
Common synonyms for "surrender" include: give up, yield, capitulate, submit, relinquish.
What can I say instead of "surrender"?
Try one of these alternatives: give up, yield, capitulate, submit, relinquish. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "surrender" formal or informal?
"surrender" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "surrender" instead of "give up"?
Use "surrender" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "give up" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.