abdicating
/ˈæbdɪkeɪtɪŋ/
VERB
1. Renouncing a throne or high office
Formally giving up a throne, sovereign authority, or another high-ranking position or office.
1.1. Giving up a royal throne
Voluntarily or under pressure relinquishing the position of a monarch.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assuming
- claiming
- seizing
- usurping
Examples
- The aging monarch considered abdicating the throne.
- The king is abdicating in favor of his eldest child.
Related Words
- abdication
- monarch
- throne
- sovereignty
- royalty
- succession
1.2. Resigning from a position of authority
Formally leaving a senior office, leadership position, or other role involving authority or status.
Synonyms
- resigning
- quitting
- vacating
- relinquishing
- ceding
- handing over
- yielding
Antonyms
- assuming
- retaining
- claiming
- taking over
- seizing
Examples
- The politician faced public pressure for abdicating his position.
- The executive is abdicating leadership after a prolonged period of controversy.
Related Words
- resignation
- leadership
- office
- authority
- succession
- transfer of power
VERB
2. Abandoning or failing to fulfill responsibilities
Giving up, neglecting, or failing to exercise an assigned duty, obligation, or responsibility.
2.1. Neglecting duties and obligations
Failing to carry out responsibilities that one is expected or obligated to fulfill.
Synonyms
- abandoning
- deserting
- forsaking
- relinquishing
- giving up
- shirking
Antonyms
- fulfilling
- performing
- discharging
- undertaking
- assuming
Examples
- The leader was criticized for abdicating responsibilities during the crisis.
- A manager who is abdicating essential duties can undermine the team's confidence.
Related Words
- responsibility
- obligation
- accountability
- dereliction
- negligence
- duty
2.2. Withdrawing from leadership and decision-making
Failing to exercise authority, provide direction, or make decisions expected of someone in a leadership role.
Synonyms
- abandoning
- deserting
- relinquishing
- handing over
- backing off
Antonyms
Examples
- The CEO was accused of abdicating leadership when the company needed clear direction.
- By abdicating responsibility for the decision, the supervisor left the team without guidance.
Related Words
- leadership
- decision-making
- oversight
- management
- accountability
- authority
VERB
3. Disowning or disinheriting a family member
Rejecting a family relationship or excluding someone from inheritance or family rights.
3.1. Rejecting a family relationship
Disowning or formally repudiating a relationship with a child or another family member.
Synonyms
- disowning
- repudiating
- renouncing
- rejecting
- abandoning
Antonyms
Examples
- The historical account described a father abdicating his relationship with his child.
- The family considered disowning the heir after the dispute.
Related Words
3.2. Excluding someone from inheritance
Disinheriting an individual or depriving someone of an expected inheritance.
Synonyms
- disinheriting
- excluding
- depriving
- disowning
Antonyms
- including
- bequeathing
- entitling
- inheriting
Examples
- The parent is disinheriting the heir through a revised will.
- The dispute concerns the consequences of disinheriting a former beneficiary.
Related Words
VERB
4. Renouncing or relinquishing a right or claim
Formally giving up, waiving, or surrendering a right, privilege, claim, or entitlement.
4.1. Waiving a right or entitlement
Voluntarily surrendering a right, legal claim, privilege, or opportunity that one could otherwise exercise.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- claiming
- asserting
- retaining
- exercising
- appropriating
Examples
- The heir is abdicating his claim to the estate.
- The applicant is waiving the right to appeal under the settlement.
Related Words
- entitlement
- legal claim
- waiver
- ownership
- privilege
- renunciation
VERB
5. Rejecting or discarding something
Rejecting, abandoning, disowning, or casting aside something previously accepted, supported, possessed, or valued.
5.1. Renouncing beliefs or positions
Formally rejecting or abandoning a belief, principle, commitment, or previously held position.
Synonyms
- abjuring
- abnegating
- disavowing
- disclaiming
- forsaking
- renouncing
- repudiating
- forswearing
Antonyms
Examples
- The organization is abdicating its former position on the issue.
- The public figure is renouncing beliefs that once defined his political platform.
Related Words
- belief
- conviction
- commitment
- repudiation
- retraction
- renunciation
5.2. Abandoning or discarding something
Giving up, rejecting, or disposing of something that is no longer wanted, needed, or supported.
Synonyms
- abandoning
- deserting
- discarding
- forsaking
- giving up
- surrendering
- yielding
Antonyms
- keeping
- retaining
- preserving
- maintaining
- safeguarding
Examples
- The committee is abandoning the proposal after reviewing the evidence.
- The company is discarding its earlier plan in favor of a different approach.
Related Words
- abandonment
- rejection
- disposal
- withdrawal
- surrender
- renunciation