abdicated
/ˈæbdɪkeɪtɪd/
VERB
1. Having relinquished a throne or sovereign power
Having formally given up the position, authority, or powers of a monarch or sovereign ruler.
1.1. Renouncing a royal throne
Having formally surrendered the position of king, queen, or other monarch.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assumed
- claimed
- seized
- usurped
Examples
- The king abdicated the throne because of his declining health.
- The monarch abdicated after years of political unrest.
Related Words
- abdication
- monarch
- throne
- sovereignty
- royalty
- succession
1.2. Surrendering political authority
Having given up or transferred sovereign power, governing authority, or control over a territory.
Synonyms
- ceded
- surrendered
- yielded
- relinquished
- renounced
- handed over
Antonyms
- retained
- assumed
- seized
- appropriated
- usurped
Examples
- The ruler abdicated power following a negotiated political settlement.
- The monarch abdicated sovereign authority in favor of a successor.
Related Words
- sovereignty
- government
- political authority
- transfer of power
- governance
- jurisdiction
VERB
2. Having resigned from a high office or position
Having formally given up an important position, office, or role, particularly one involving authority, status, or responsibility.
2.1. Leaving a leadership position
Having resigned or stepped down from a senior role in government, business, or another organization.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assumed
- retained
- claimed
- took over
Examples
- The chief executive abdicated her position after the investigation.
- The official abdicated office when public pressure became overwhelming.
Related Words
- resignation
- leadership
- office
- executive
- succession
- replacement
VERB
3. Having abandoned or neglected a responsibility
Having given up, avoided, or failed to fulfill a duty, obligation, or responsibility that one was expected to carry out.
3.1. Abandoning duties and obligations
Having failed to perform responsibilities or having abandoned duties entrusted to oneself.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- fulfilled
- performed
- discharged
- undertook
- assumed
Examples
- The manager abdicated responsibility for resolving the team's problems.
- The parent was accused of having abdicated important caregiving duties.
Related Words
- responsibility
- obligation
- accountability
- dereliction
- neglect
- duty
3.2. Failing to exercise leadership
Having withdrawn from the exercise of authority or avoided making decisions required by a leadership role.
Synonyms
- abandoned
- deserted
- relinquished
- gave up
- handed over
Antonyms
- assumed
- defended
- guarded
- protected
- safeguarded
Examples
- The director abdicated leadership during a critical period for the organization.
- The supervisor abdicated responsibility instead of addressing the conflict.
Related Words
- leadership
- decision-making
- oversight
- management
- accountability
- authority
VERB
4. Having rejected or disowned a claim, right, or association
Having formally rejected, disclaimed, renounced, or disowned a right, claim, relationship, or previously accepted position.
4.1. Renouncing a right or claim
Having formally given up an entitlement, legal claim, privilege, or right to something.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- claimed
- assumed
- appropriated
- arrogated
- seized
Examples
- The heir abdicated his claim to the estate.
- She abdicated her right to participate in the proceedings.
Related Words
- entitlement
- legal claim
- waiver
- ownership
- right
- renunciation
4.2. Disowning or repudiating an association
Having rejected or disowned a person, relationship, belief, or association.
Synonyms
- disowned
- disavowed
- disclaimed
- renounced
- abjured
- denied
- repudiated
Antonyms
- accepted
- affirmed
- defended
- protected
- safeguarded
Examples
- The family disowned the heir after a bitter dispute.
- The organization disavowed the former leader's controversial actions.
Related Words
- disavowal
- repudiation
- rejection
- estrangement
- renunciation
- disinheritance
VERB
5. Having rejected, discarded, or cast something off
Having rejected, abandoned, or discarded something previously accepted, supported, possessed, or valued.
5.1. Rejecting a belief or position
Having formally abandoned or repudiated a belief, commitment, principle, or previously held position.
Synonyms
- abjured
- renounced
- disavowed
- repudiated
- forswore
- forsook
Antonyms
- defended
- guarded
- protected
- safeguarded
- maintained
Examples
- The public figure abdicated the position he had previously defended.
- The group renounced its former doctrine after reconsidering its principles.
Related Words
- belief
- conviction
- commitment
- retraction
- repudiation
- renunciation
5.2. Discarding or abandoning something
Having cast aside or abandoned something that was no longer wanted, needed, or supported.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- retained
- kept
- preserved
- guarded
- protected
- safeguarded
Examples
- The committee abandoned the proposal after reviewing the evidence.
- The organization discarded its earlier plan and adopted a different approach.
Related Words
- abandonment
- rejection
- disposal
- withdrawal
- surrender
- renunciation