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Definition of relent

relent

/rɪˈlɛnt/
re · lent
Adverb:relentlessly
•
Adjective:relentless
•
Past Simple:relented
•
Past Participle:relented
•
Present Participle:relenting
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relent Lexical Profile

relent Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To abandon or mitigate a harsh intention, stubborn stance, or refusal; to yield to a request or plea.

Example

"After weeks of firm refusal, the committee finally relented and approved the funding for the community library."

2

To become less severe, intense, or violent (especially of weather, pain, or pressure).

Example

"The hikers waited in the cabin until the heavy rain began to relent."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for relent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for relent

• Rhymes for relent

• Nearby Words

release
relegate
relegation
relent
relentless
relentlessly
relentlessness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English relenten ('to melt, dissolve, soften'), borrowed from Old French ralentir and Medieval Latin *relentare, from Latin re- (intensive prefix) and lentus ('pliant, flexible, slow').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Relent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/relent
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