acquiescence
Americannoun
-
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.
-
Law. such neglect to take legal proceedings for such a long time as to imply the abandonment of a right.
Other Word Forms
- nonacquiescence noun
Etymology
Origin of acquiescence
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.
Vocabulary lists containing acquiescence
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Power Suffix: -escence
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Things They Carried
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In response, many leaders in the private sector—as well as in philanthropy, media, law and academia—have responded not with criticism, but with acquiescence and accommodation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026
His acquiescence ended a months-long pressure campaign against a handful of Republicans to get them to drop the bill.
From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025
Their acquiescence had more to do with getting concessions from the U.S. than stepping up relations with Israel.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2024
After hearing a list of recent and pending cases, we asked voters forced choice questions in order to guard against acquiescence bias.
From Slate • Jun. 15, 2023
They nodded in acquiescence before letting Ekon frog-march Koffi past them.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
