Synonyms for

Abandoning

Verb / ʌˈbændʌnɪŋ / Another word for abandoning — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Abandoning means to leave or give up something or someone completely.

Synonyms & similar words

forsake vacate abandon giveup desolate desert empty forsaking leaving deserting quitting relinquishing discontinuing dropping dumping surrendering yielding abdicating ceding renouncing resigning retiring withdrawing

Synonyms by register

Formal

forsaking relinquishing discontinuing

Informal

ditching scramming bailing on

Literary

deserting casting off

Antonyms

keeping holding retaining continuing maintaining supporting rescuing

Common collocations

  • abandoning ship
  • abandoning hope
  • abandoning a child
  • abandoning a post
  • abandoning the project
  • abandoning the fight
  • abandoning all hope

Word family

noun abandonment
verb abandon
adjective abandoned

Usage note

Often used to describe leaving something or someone behind, either physically or metaphorically. Be mindful of the strong negative connotations when referring to people or responsibilities.

Example sentences

  1. She is abandoning her old bike and getting a new one.
  2. The sailor was forced to abandon the sinking ship.
  3. The mother cat abandoned her kittens.
  4. The company is abandoning its plans for a new store.
  5. The runner abandoned the race due to injury.

Quotes

  • The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. - Henry Ford
  • Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going. - Sam Levenson
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. - Steve Jobs

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