give way

phrase

Synonyms of give waynext
1
a
: retreat
b
: to yield the right of way
2
: to yield oneself without restraint or control
3
a
: to yield to or as if to physical stress
The roof gave way under heavy snow.
b
: to yield to entreaty or insistence
After several hours of debate, the opposition finally gave way.
4
: to yield place
Farmland has given way to shopping malls.
5
: to begin to row

Examples of give way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the season technically sticks around for a few more weeks, the three-day weekend tends to mark the moment when pool days, backyard barbecues and summer vacations start giving way to football, cooler nights and everything pumpkin spice. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 As the novelty surrounding humanoid robots gives way to business questions about their commercialization, stock analysts still see potential in one gear box supplier. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 Six months later, Rashidian says that optimism has largely given way to disappointment among many anti-regime activists. — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Comfortable weather on Friday will give way to a blast of summer heat, with temperatures climbing into the 90s this weekend and sticking around through next week, according to the National Weather Service. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for give way

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of give way was in the 15th century

Rhymes for give way

See All Rhymes for give way

Browse Nearby Words

give voice to
give way
give witness to
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20way. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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