Synonym Chooser

How is the word consign distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of consign are commit, confide, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

When is it sensible to use commit instead of consign?

While the synonyms commit and consign are close in meaning, commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody.

committed the felon to prison

When could confide be used to replace consign?

While in some cases nearly identical to consign, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

In what contexts can entrust take the place of consign?

The words entrust and consign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

When would relegate be a good substitute for consign?

The synonyms relegate and consign are sometimes interchangeable, but relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of.

relegated to an obscure position in the company

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of consign In contrast, the formerly close U.S. ally Canada is consigned to join Ukraine, Denmark, Panama, and the democracies of Europe and East Asia on the Trump enemies list. David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025 In the West, settlers and the U.S. government repeatedly stripped Native Americans of land, which consigned them to shrinking reservations. Made By History, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025 Customers also can come in and shop new women’s apparel and shoes and also consign any unwanted items. Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 There would have been little such brand recognition for Ezra Collective, the first jazz act to win British Group and perform on the show, but still consigned to the very end, vibrantly duetting with Jorja Smith as the industry tables emptied and people at home no doubt reached for the remote. Mark Sutherland, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Experts noted to the Miami Herald that under past administrations, Zapata-Velásquez would likely have been released and placed into deportation proceedings, but not sent to an immigration facility.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Rafael Caro Quintero, another Guadalajara Cartel co-founder who also was convicted in the murder, was one of 29 cartel figures Mexico sent to the United States in February.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With few options left, Adam begins considering and concocting ways to enact vengeance, but Basem, having been down that rageful path, advises him otherwise.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The department did not say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Who stands where, who is responsible for what, who hands what to whom — there’s a coordination and choreography in doctors and nurses trying to save lives.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • So as Lululemon and Alo continue to make inroads among female consumers, the other brands are not handing the business over without a fight.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Officials eventually rescued all those who had been in the boat, detained them and transferred them to Border Patrol custody, the complaint said.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Trusting her advice, the man agreed to a partial payment and transferred $200 through Zelle, the report said.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Both the city’s ad hoc committee on the 2028 Olympic Games and the full council gave its approval this week to several venue changes, including shifting equestrian events from the Valley to Temecula.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Delegating is about giving your employees a time to learn, to grow, to shine and to expand while also helping to lighten your load and achieve organizational goals.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Alongside industry leaders like Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited, Leitch delivered several presentations to the Academy, ultimately leading to the Board of Governors’ vote of approval earlier this week.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The House narrowly voted to approve the GOP budget blueprint Thursday by a vote of 216-214, delivering a major victory for President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The New York congresswoman had relinquished her No. 4 leadership slot as House Republican Conference Chair since she had been named Trump’s UN pick, and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) was elected in her place.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • So Paul relinquished the same number of sacks and just one less pressure in 272 fewer pass blocking snaps than Armstead played.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the modern era, attorneys general have delegated those functions to the Office of Legal Counsel.
    Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of delegating low-level admin work, consider leveraging their expertise to optimize workflows, prep key meetings and manage priorities.
    Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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