verb

concede

/kənˈsiːd/ · say it: kun·SEED

to admit a point in an argument

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to admit that something is true, even if you don't want to

2. (verb) to accept that you have lost a game, competition, or argument

Examples

1. She finally conceded that he was right about the problem. 2. The candidate conceded the election to her opponent.

How to use concede

Concede is used when someone reluctantly admits something is true or accepts loss, often implying they held a contrary position. It conveys a more formal or dignified acceptance than mere 'giving in', and is common in sports, politics, and debates. It differs from admit in suggesting acceptance of an unfavorable situation rather than just truth-telling.

Common phrases

concede defeat
concede a goal
concede the point
concede that
conceded ground

Synonyms

admit · acknowledge · accept · grant · yield

Opposites

deny · contest · dispute

Word family

concession (noun) · conceding (gerund/present participle)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use concede with an infinitive (concede to do) when the correct form is concede that (concede that you were wrong) or concede as a transitive verb (concede defeat).

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