acquiesce

American  

[ak-wee-es] / ˌæk wiˈɛs /

verb (used without object)

acquiesced, acquiescing

1. to assent tacitly; submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent.

   to acquiesce halfheartedly in a business plan.

   Synonyms:

   capitulate, concur, accede

   Antonyms:

   protest, contest

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acquiesce British  

/ ˌækwɪˈɛs /

verb

1. (intr; often foll by in or to) to comply (with); assent (to) without protest

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Usage

The use of to after acquiesce was formerly regarded as incorrect, but is now acceptable

Other Word Forms

• acquiescence noun
• acquiescent adjective
• acquiescently adverb
• acquiescingly adverb
• nonacquiescing adjective

Etymology

Origin of acquiesce

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin acquiēscere “to find rest in, ” equivalent to ac- ac- + quiē- + -sc- inchoative suffix + -ere infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

Sometimes, it’s easier to say “no” to a request than to resist someone pulling at your heartstrings to acquiesce to their wishes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

The social compact that endured since that trauma was that Iranians would acquiesce to hardship and restrictions in return for a strong state that protects them from foreign attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

While Disney is said to have been adamant that he didn’t want his park to be a coaster haven, he could acquiesce for the right, story-driven project, as evidenced by the 1950s creation the Matterhorn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

"You will be the same person that will castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria," he added.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

“If you do not acquiesce, others will. We will And someone who will support this repair. We will take our business elsewhere.”

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• accede
• cave in
• comply
• concur
• conform
• give in
• go along