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relent

verb
re·​lent | \ ri-ˈlent How to pronounce relent (audio) \
relented; relenting; relents

Definition of relent

intransitive verb

1a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity
b : to cease resistance : give in
2 : let up, slacken

transitive verb

obsolete : soften, mollify
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about relent

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Choose the Right Synonym for relent

yield, submit, capitulate, succumb, relent, defer mean to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist. yield may apply to any sort or degree of giving way before force, argument, persuasion, or entreaty. yields too easily in any argument submit suggests full surrendering after resistance or conflict to the will or control of another. a repentant sinner vowing to submit to the will of God capitulate stresses the fact of ending all resistance and may imply either a coming to terms (as with an adversary) or hopelessness in the face of an irresistible opposing force. officials capitulated to the protesters' demands succumb implies weakness and helplessness to the one that gives way or an overwhelming power to the opposing force. a stage actor succumbing to the lure of Hollywood relent implies a yielding through pity or mercy by one who holds the upper hand. finally relented and let the children stay up late defer implies a voluntary yielding or submitting out of respect or reverence for or deference and affection toward another. I defer to your expertise in these matters

Examples of relent in a Sentence

Our application was initially refused, but the city relented in the end and the permit was issued. They had refused to pay and relented only after being threatened with a lawsuit. The winds would not relent.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 That’s because of the never-relenting orbit of our Earth around the sun. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, "Sky Watch: The summer hunter begins his long goodbye," 25 Aug. 2019 Tehran also has begun breaching nuclear limits imposed under the deal, another front in an effort to spook the West into rallying around the deal and convincing Trump to relent. — Nr Editors, National Review, "The Week," 25 July 2019 Late in the fifth round, Charlo stunned Adams with a left jab, then got Adams in the corner and unleashed a flurry of body shots that only relented when the much shorter Adams was able grab Charlo around the waist and tie him up. — Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, "Jermall Charlo takes unanimous decision over Brandon Adams to retain World Boxing Council middleweight title," 30 June 2019 Meyers only relented when Knight said his department would schedule a private presentation of the master plan of the expansion for the commissioner. — Michelle Iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Fort Bend County Commissioners review revised facilities bond proposal, clash," 19 July 2019 Days after the lawsuit was filed, Wayne State relented and reinstated InterVarsity, assuming that would be the end of the matter. — David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, "Religious group: Wayne State forces us to accept non-Christian leaders," 8 July 2019 The president considered the advice during the morning and weighed the possible downside of appearing to apologize or give in - something his supporters might dislike - before deciding to relent and back away from the chants publicly. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, "Trump says he was "not happy" about "send her back" rally chant," 18 July 2019 Their hope is that an American military attack would incite protests in the U.S. and Europe, which would pressure Trump to relent and thus free Europeans to resume lucrative commerce with Tehran. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "For Regime Change in Iran," 29 June 2019 After a solid three hours of in-car protests, Mike relented. — Betsy Blumenthal, Condé Nast Traveler, "My Favorite Airbnb in New York: A Cozy Room Above a Catskills Restaurant," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of relent

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for relent

Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe

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More Definitions for relent

relent

verb
How to pronounce relent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of relent

somewhat formal
: to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing
: to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc.

See the full definition for relent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

relent

verb
re·​lent | \ ri-ˈlent How to pronounce relent (audio) \
relented; relenting

Kids Definition of relent

1 : to become less severe, harsh, or strict The wind relented by evening.
2 : to give in after first resisting or refusing My dad finally relented and increased my allowance.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relent

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with relent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for relent

Spanish Central: Translation of relent

Nglish: Translation of relent for Spanish Speakers

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