concede

[ kuhn-seed ]

verb (used with object)

conceded, conceding.

1. to acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit:

   He finally conceded that she was right.

   Synonyms: grant

   Antonyms: deny

2. to acknowledge (an opponent's victory, score, etc.) before it is officially established:

   to concede an election before all the votes are counted.

3. to grant as a right or privilege; yield:

   to concede a longer vacation for all employees.

   Antonyms: refuse

verb (used without object)

conceded, conceding.

1. to make a concession; yield to pressure or circumstances; admit defeat:

   She was so persistent that I conceded at last.

   My favorite candidate conceded before the polls were even closed!

concede

/ kənˈsiːd /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to admit or acknowledge (something) as true or correct
2. to yield or allow (something, such as a right)
3. tr to admit as certain in outcome

   to concede an election

Derived Forms

• conˈceder, noun
• conˈcededly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• con·ced·er noun
• con·ces·si·ble [k, uh, n-, ses, -, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• pre·con·cede verb (used with object) preconceded preconceding
• un·con·ced·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of concede¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin concēdere, equivalent to con- con- + cēdere “to withdraw, yield”; cede

Word History and Origins

Origin of concede¹

C17: from Latin concēdere, from cēdere to give way, cede

Example Sentences

Trump administration officials have conceded the deportation was an "administrative error", although the White House insists there was no mistake.

From BBC

The Gunners have the second-best defensive record in the competition, conceding just seven goals in 12 matches, while going forward only five teams have scored more.

From BBC

Furthermore, they remain unbeaten against Real Madrid in European competition, with two wins and a draw, and have not conceded a single goal across their three meetings.

From BBC

He called on other institutions to follow Harvard's lead in not conceding to Trump's demands.

From BBC

The government has conceded Mr Ábrego García was deported due to an "administrative error", though it also claims he is a member of the MS-13 gang - something his lawyer denies.

From BBC

Related Words

• accept
• admit
• allow
• capitulate
• cave in
• cede
• confess
• give up
• grant
• hand over
• quit
• relinquish
• surrender
• yield