acquiescence

noun

ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce acquiescence (audio)
Definition of acquiescencenext
as in obedience
a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of acquiescence With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Less money coming into government coffers also means fewer goodies for the population of Moscow, whose acquiescence Putin desperately needs. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026 But the balance of risks has changed Europe’s era of acquiescence is over. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for acquiescence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acquiescence
  1. obedience
  2. assent
  3. deference
  4. submissiveness
  5. docility
Noun
  • As its civil lawsuits foundered, the Justice Department reached for another weapon to compel obedience from state election officers.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • My abuser understood the power of words, and used them to dictate the terms of my obedience.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of obedience
Noun
  • Throughout our conversation, in fact, the pair chuckles, nods along to each other’s answers, interjects sounds of assent.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Provisional Government has not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the people.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of assent
Noun
  • Across more than a dozen votes forced by Democrats to rein in the president's war powers, the vast majority of the GOP conference has remained united in opposition, granting the president wide deference in steering the conflict.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The Federal Arbitration Act commands arbitration awards receive high deference and can only be vacated in limited circumstances, such as when the arbitrator engaged in fraud.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • Carlson-Wee introduces himself to Wood with the sweet docility of a young boy meeting his hero.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The same goes for docility, often characterized as a near neighbor of meekness.
    — Timothy J. Pawl, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of docility

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acquiesced (to)
acquiescence
acquiescent
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Cite this Entry

“Acquiescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acquiescence. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on acquiescence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acquiescence

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