Acquiesces

To acquiesce means to accept something reluctantly but without protest. It implies a passive agreement or consent, often stemming from a lack of resistance, a desire to avoid conflict, or a recognition of the inevitability of the situation. The act of acquiescing suggests a yielding to the opinions, wishes, or demands of another, even if one holds personal reservations. This acceptance can be silent or expressed through subtle actions, such as compliance with instructions or agreement with statements without actively voicing opposition. It is often contrasted with actively opposing or challenging a situation.

Acquiesces meaning with examples

• Despite her initial reservations about the new marketing strategy, the marketing manager acquiesces, understanding the CEO's firm stance. She agreed to the plan after the CEO explained it again, knowing the final decision was already made. There was no point arguing; it was better to go along than to stir up trouble within the team.
• The residents of the small town were initially unhappy about the construction of a new highway, fearing it would damage their community. However, after a series of public hearings and with a lack of other action the local authorities decided it was a good idea, and the town acquiesces to the government’s decision, they reluctantly accepted that they had no choice.
• When faced with overwhelming evidence of his colleague's misconduct, the company's board of directors, although unwilling to damage their reputation, acquiesces to the legal team's recommendation to conduct an internal investigation and fire the employee. They knew the law would force their hand, even if they would not have come to that conclusion independently.
• The young boy acquiesces to his parents' demands to clean his room, although he would rather play outside, knowing that any resistance would lead to further consequences. This reluctance is a common experience for children, and it is a part of being a child. He decided he did not want to make a big deal of it.
• Although the witness knew that the evidence was inconclusive, to protect himself, he acquiesces to the lawyer's suggestion to drop the case in court rather than prolong a lengthy and stressful trial, this also meant a lot less trouble down the line. It was easier to do what the lawyer suggested.
• The government, facing pressure from international organizations, acquiesces to the terms of the trade agreement despite concerns about its impact on domestic industries. They knew that they had no choice, the other parties involved in the trade deal were willing to go to the wall on this. To maintain positive diplomatic relations.
• After long consideration, the company acquiesces to the union's demands for better wages, fearing the effects of a prolonged strike, although this action will cut into profits. The directors were not happy, but they felt there was no other choice. They agreed, because they felt there was no other way to move forward.
• The student, feeling overwhelmed by the teacher's intense criticism of his work, acquiesces and decides to rewrite the assignment completely, even though he believes it reflects his original intention, this means that the work submitted now, is not his, or how he would have completed the project.