acquiesce

[ ak-wee-es ]

verb (used without object)

, ac·qui·esced, ac·qui·esc·ing.

1. to assent tacitly; submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent:

   to acquiesce halfheartedly in a business plan.

   Synonyms: capitulate, concur, accede

   Antonyms: protest, contest

acquiesce

/ ˌækwɪˈɛs /

verb

1. intr; often foll by in or to to comply (with); assent (to) without protest

Usage

The use of to after acquiesce was formerly regarded as incorrect, but is now acceptable

Derived Forms

• ˌacquiˈescently, adverb
• ˌacquiˈescence, noun
• ˌacquiˈescent, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·qui·esc·ing·ly adverb
• non·ac·qui·esc·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquiesce¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin acquiēscere “to find rest in, ” equivalent to ac- ac- + quiē- + -sc- inchoative suffix + -ere infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acquiesce¹

C17: from Latin acquiēscere to remain at rest, agree without protest, from ad- at + quiēscere to rest, from quiēs quiet

Example Sentences

While in the White House, Trump tried to block multiple congressional investigations, and Republicans in the House and the Senate acquiesced without protest.

From Salon

Any perceived display of liberal bias was quickly attacked, so the media got the message and gradually acquiesced until liberals and their point of view were marginalized.

From Salon

No administration would have dared, and no department official would have acquiesced.

From Los Angeles Times

So even if Harris wins November’s election, and maintains a commission that prioritizes the transition away from fossil fuels, the oil and gas industry and the politicians who support it will not acquiesce easily.

From Salon

Urged by the oversight board to seek an outside opinion, VA Secretary Denis McDonough acquiesced and retained Urban Land Institute to field a panel of experts to make recommendations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accede
• cave in
• comply
• concur
• conform
• give in
• go along