Resign — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈzīn/ re·sign

Meaning & Definition of Resign

Resign (verb)

  1. relegate, consign; especially, to give (oneself) over without resistance
  2. to give up deliberately; especially, to renounce (something, such as a right or position) by a formal act
  3. to give up one's office or position, quit

Resign (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give up (as a position of authority) formally

    "following the election, the incumbent cabinet members resigned their positions so the president could feel free to pick a new administration"

    similar: abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender
    related: abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive, forsake, give up, hand over, yield, abandon, desert, quit, vacate
    near: appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

Related Entry: Resign (from) (verb)

Resign (from) is a different word from Resign. The synonyms below are for resign (from), not for resign.

  1. to give up (a job or office)

    "resigned from the company after the news broke that he had been falsifying financial statements for years"

    similar: bag, chuck, leave, quit, retire (from), step aside (from), step down (from), give notice
    related: abandon, vacate, drop out (of), throw up
    opposite: keep, stay (at)
    near: hire (out), join, sign on (for)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Resign

The most common words with a similar meaning to Resign:

abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender

Related Words for Resign

abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive, forsake, give up, hand over, yield, abandon, desert, quit, vacate

Near Antonyms of Resign

appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate, seize, take over, usurp, wrest, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

Word Forms of Resign

Inflections: resigned, resigning, resigns

Derived words: resignedness (noun), resigner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Resign

Middle English, from Anglo-French resigner, from Latin resignare, literally, to unseal, cancel, from re- + signare to sign, seal sign

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Resign

Words & Phrases Containing Resign

resign oneself

Frequently Asked Questions about Resign

What does "Resign" mean?

"Resign" means relegate, consign; especially, to give (oneself) over without resistance. As a verb, it is defined as: relegate, consign; especially, to give (oneself) over without resistance.

What is another word for "Resign"?

Other words for "Resign" include abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, step aside (from), step down (from) and surrender. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Resign" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Resign"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Resign". Common alternatives include abdicate, abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, step aside (from), step down (from) and surrender.

How do you use "Resign" in a sentence?

Examples of "Resign" in a sentence: "following the election, the incumbent cabinet members resigned their positions so the president could feel free to pick a new administration".

Is "Resign" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Resign" is a verb.

Is "Resign" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Resign" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Resign"?

"Resign" is pronounced /ri-ˈzīn/ and divided into syllables as re·sign.

What is the origin of the word "Resign"?

"Resign" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French resigner, from Latin resignare, literally, to unseal, cancel, from re- + signare to sign, seal sign. First known use: 14th centuryt.