verb

acquiesce

/ækwiˈɛs/ · say it: ak·wiˈES

to accept reluctantly without protest

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to agree to something or accept something without objecting, even if you do not really want to

2. (verb) to accept a situation passively without protesting

Examples

1. She acquiesced to her parents' wishes and studied medicine instead of art.
2. Although he disagreed with the decision, he acquiesced and said nothing.

How to use acquiesce

Acquiesce emphasizes passive acceptance or agreement without enthusiasm or strong objection, often implying reluctant compliance or silent acceptance. It is more formal than 'agree' and suggests a degree of resignation rather than active enthusiasm. Use it when someone accepts something despite reservations, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common phrases

acquiesce to a demand
acquiesce in a decision
reluctantly acquiesce
tacitly acquiesce
acquiesce without protest

Synonyms

agree · consent · accept · comply · submit

Opposites

object · protest · resist

Word family

acquiescence (noun) · acquiescent (adjective) · acquiescently (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use acquiesce as a transitive verb with a direct object (e.g., 'acquiesce the proposal'), but it requires the preposition 'to' or 'in' (acquiesce to/in something).

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