cede
8 synonyms for cede, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To formally give up land, rights, or power to someone else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cede
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cede territory
cede ground
cede control
cede power
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ceder, from Latin cedere ("to yield, withdraw") — the same root behind "concede," "precede," and "recede."
Full origin of cede →Frequently asked questions
What does “cede” mean?
The word “cede” means to formally give up land, rights, or power to someone else. In plain terms, to hand over or surrender something, often formally.
How do you pronounce “cede”?
“Cede” is pronounced seed (/siːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “cede” in a sentence?
Here is “cede” used in a sentence: “The treaty forced the country to cede a large stretch of territory.”
What part of speech is “cede”?
“Cede” is a verb.
Where does the word “cede” come from?
The word “cede” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Middle French ceder, from Latin cedere ("to yield, withdraw") — the same root behind "concede," "precede," and "recede.".
