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Definition of abandonnext
1
as in to indulge
to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly more than ready to abandon himself to a life of complete idleness for the duration of his vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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abandon

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abandon different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abandon are relinquish, resign, surrender, waive, and yield. While all these words mean "to give up completely," abandon stresses finality and completeness in giving up.

abandoned all hope

When might relinquish be a better fit than abandon?

While in some cases nearly identical to abandon, relinquish usually does not imply strong feeling but may suggest some regret, reluctance, or weakness.

relinquished her crown

When can resign be used instead of abandon?

The words resign and abandon can be used in similar contexts, but resign emphasizes voluntary relinquishment or sacrifice without struggle.

resigned her position

When is it sensible to use surrender instead of abandon?

The words surrender and abandon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surrender implies a giving up after a struggle to retain or resist.

surrendered their claims

Where would waive be a reasonable alternative to abandon?

The meanings of waive and abandon largely overlap; however, waive implies conceding or forgoing with little or no compulsion.

waived the right to a trial by jury

In what contexts can yield take the place of abandon?

In some situations, the words yield and abandon are roughly equivalent. However, yield implies concession or compliance or submission to force.

the troops yielded ground grudgingly

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abandon
Verb
But if the team decides to abandon ship in the defensive end group, Fowler would be left looking for another team. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026 Such weapons were banned under a Soviet-era treaty that Washington and Moscow abandoned in 2019. Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
When allowed to grow with abandon, peach trees reach lofty heights, producing lots of woody growth and fewer fruits. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child. Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abandon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abandon
Verb
  • The skaters, staff, volunteers and fans were generous in indulging me.
    Brian Munoz, NPR, 11 Jan. 2026
  • José Daniel Ferrer’s life exposes the costs of indulging revolutionary illusions.
    Michael Lucchese, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The departure of Stockton and Warren leaves head coach Spencer Danielson with the task of replacing two secondary coaches.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Members of the Minneapolis City Council, in a joint statement, demanded that ICE leave the city following the shooting.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That band faces a similar situation as Mariachi Joya Azteca, with at least two major events canceled in 2025.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The Anker 737 Power Bank keeps multiple devices running and charging, from your phone to your noise-canceling headphones, without weighing down your bag.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Just weeks ago, Taco Bell brought back the popular Quesarito in time for the holidays after the item had been discontinued in 2023.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • As of the end of the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV have all officially been discontinued—not paused or back-burnered.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Nora, a volatile actress struggling with crippling stage fright, is consumed by deep resentment over her father’s abandonment.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Its abandonment, with powder canisters spilling across the rock, suggested that its owner left in haste.
    Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Leaning on do-everything running back Bijan Robinson would make a lot of sense, except the Colts hold teams to just 87 rushing yards per game (fourth fewest) and have surrendered only six rushing touchdowns in nine games.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Economic strain is one of the leading reasons animals are surrendered to shelters, spokesperson Kirsten Peek said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In her resignation video, Greene said the president has forsaken the MAGA base, specifically pointing to his support of the crypto and pharmaceutical industries.
    Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
  • The president has not only broken with the policy of the Biden administration but also seems to have forsaken the strategic direction of his own first term.
    LAEL BRAINARD, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The proposal comes on the heels of a sweeping provision slipped in late last legislative session that required colleges to scrap programs that fell below a certain enrollment quota.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As more ocean carriers appear to show an openness to returning to the Red Sea on a limited basis, Maersk reportedly scrapped a long-time fee last month for one of its container vessels that transited the Suez Canal.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abandon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abandon. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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