concede

[ kuhn-seed ]

verb (used with object)

, con·ced·ed, con·ced·ing.

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)

, con·ced·ed, con·ced·ing.

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 Words From

• 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

Yet even proponents of the blue zone concept concede that some of the regions may no longer be exceptional.

From Science Magazine

Albanese has conceded that Australia's proposal may not be foolproof, and if it passes the parliament, it would be subject to a review.

From BBC

He conceded that “the evidence in this case is very good that Laken Riley was murdered", but he said proof connecting his client to Ms Riley's death was "lacking”.

From BBC

Nacua concedes he’s gotten increasingly particular about doing everything he can to maximize his performance.

From Los Angeles Times

The Aberdeen fan apologised last week in a ministerial statement and conceded he should have went to a "wider range" of football matches.

From BBC

Related Words

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