abdicate
verb (used without object)
to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner.
abdicating
-
present participleof abdicate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
The king ascended the Scandinavian country's throne in January 1991 and has openly ruled out abdicating.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
It is “unfair to say the court is abdicating its authority,” said the ex-prosecutor, who also requested anonymity to speak candidly about the district’s judges.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
“If that’s true, what would prohibit Congress from just abdicating all responsibility to regulate foreign commerce—for that matter, declare war—to the president?”
From Slate ● Nov. 5, 2025
"She is abdicating her duty, and this is something that she needs to decide, not a jury. It's a question of law, not a question of fact."
From Salon ● Apr. 3, 2024
He wanted to lie down in this redolent field, curl up in the green womb in the dazzling aura of these mountains, growing warm and drowsy under the sun, abdicating all responsibilities—and sleep.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
