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Synonyms

acquiescence

American  
[ak-wee-es-uhns] / ˌæk wiˈɛs əns /

noun

  1. the act or condition of acquiescing or giving tacit assent; agreement or consent by silence or without objection; compliance (usually followed by to orin ).

    acquiescence to his boss's demands.

  2. Law. such neglect to take legal proceedings for such a long time as to imply the abandonment of a right.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of acquiescence

First recorded in 1625–35; acquiesce + -ence

Explanation

Acquiescence is an agreement, usually a willingness to go along with what someone else suggests. "Sure, I don't mind," "That sounds like a plan," and "Good idea" — these are all ways to show your acquiescence. The word acquiescence, pronounced "ack-we-ESS-sense," comes from the French word of the same spelling. The first record of its meaning as "silent consent" occurred in the 1640s. Acquiescence, in addition to "agreement," can also mean "acceptance without protest." Often when you offer acquiescence, you give in to another person's plan, perhaps because you are afraid to object or you don't have a better idea of your own.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing acquiescence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Acquiescence to these permissions has become the price of entry to many parts of the web, particularly when the platform offers something for free.

From The Guardian • Jun. 22, 2019

Acquiescence here would also probably eliminate the blockade.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2014

"Acquiescence was taken as a hint and became a signal," he wrote on a blog on Ekho Moskvy's website.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2014

In fact, the School of Acquiescence and Denial has its followers.

From New York Times • Jan. 3, 2011

Acquiescence was all the easier because it accorded with his own desire.

From The Fruit of the Tree by Kimball, Alonzo