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

When my husband wanted to see my breasts or have sex, and I didn't, he would hold up his left hand and tap his wedding band, and I'd acquiesce.

From Salon

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

“Not that these are new rules. They're new to me. A panel vibe is a different vibe. You have to know when to take over and when to acquiesce.”

From Salon

Congress is under no obligation to acquiesce to this inevitability.

From Slate

I don't see any other creative alternative that Donald Trump would acquiesce to or abide by.

From Salon

Related Words

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