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

Examples 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 Sotheby’s has been consigned a large collection of Old Master paintings, sculptures, English furniture and other decorative art objects from the collection of Aso O. Tavitian. Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Raised on a dairy farm in Ohio, the sisters who consigned the dime have chosen to remain anonymous. Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024 Highlights include a marigold two-piece pant suit by Marc Jacobs from the Spring 2020 Runway consigned by Kate Moss, a white trench coat by The Row from Julianne Moore, a bubble dress by Comme des Garçons from Natasha Lyonne, chunky loafers by Miu Miu from Janicza Bravo, and much, much more. Anna Tingley, Variety, 23 Oct. 2024 The sale kicked off today, October 23 with more than 230 luxury pieces consigned by influential women in fashion, journalism, social justice and culture, including icons like Kate Moss, Julianne Moore, Natasha Lyonne and Marisa Tomei. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consign 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The duke and duchess separately sent a private card to friends and family.
    Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Saint Laurent’s spring 2025 show nodded to the brand’s eponymous founder, with creative director Anthony Vaccarello sending slouchy suits and bohemian prints down the runway.
    Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This technique gives patients results that look natural, offers a speedier recovery, and leaves fewer scars.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Bruce found his bloody arrow, then left the area and walked to a barn to wait for his dad before tracking the deer.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • And the jury agreed, handing her a 7-1-0 win, with only Kyle voting otherwise, for Sam.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
  • In the ’90s, Hollywood might have handed him its checkbook.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Hike down a canyon to get to your room (your luggage is transferred on a pulley system), converse with locals under the stars, dine on traditional dishes, and watch the sunset over the rugged mountains.
    Mo Noubani, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024
  • But before investigators arrived, the task force transferred all remaining detainees to an island north of Buenos Aires, destroyed the internal staircase and the elevator, and made other structural alterations.
    Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • And given its volatility, any government purchases or sales could have an outsized impact on bitcoin's price.
    Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss and Lisa Pauline Mattackal, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • President Joe Biden is prepared to veto legislation that would create new federal judgeships for President-elect Donald Trump to fill, a move that would give him the most presidential vetoes since Bill Clinton.
    Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Corcoran delivered his final words before taking his last breath.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
  • And, like your favorite uncle or the big red guy, McCartney always delivers.
    Mark Sutherland, Variety, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • What's New The City of Phoenix is negotiating with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to relinquish part of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • On December 10, 1936, King Edward signed the Instrument of Abdication, officially beginning the process of stepping down from the throne and relinquishing its privileges.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • On the other hand, leaders who micromanage excessively can create toxic workplaces, because their inability to delegate can reduce efficiency and signal a lack of trust in their employees.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
  • In the new letter, the coalition proposed that Congress delegate less authority to agencies in future legislation, streamline the procedures that allow lawmakers to overturn federal regulations, increase agency oversight and hearings, and take various other steps.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near consign

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

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