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 Rasoulof’s script might well have included a scene or two showing Iman’s dirty work in action, rather than consigning his moral dilemma to perhaps one too many soul-searching showers. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024 Freeman World Series Grand Slam Baseball to Be Offered at SCP Auction SCP Auctions is running a special December Dynasty Auction opening in just two weeks, and the baseball from Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series walk-off grand slam has been consigned to the sale. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024 It was consigned by three sisters who inherited it from their late brother. Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024 Putin’s single-minded focus on achieving total victory over Ukraine has consigned Russia’s other foreign policy objectives to secondary status and cost it one of its greatest foreign policy successes. Alexander Baunov, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consign 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The Night Agent upped the ante in its second outing, with Peter becoming enmeshed in a chemical weapons threat and (gulp) unwittingly swaying a presidential election that sends his moral compass spinning.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Velcro dogs simply enjoy staying close, while dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine panic when left alone.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The organization had strict policies in place, but the lack of proper training and infrastructure left gaps.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • States are handing multimillion-dollar contracts to a handful of fledgling private companies to manage the rapidly growing, convoluted marketplace of school-choice programs.
    Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025
  • But instead of throwing the flowers over her head into the crowd, Krause turned around and handed them to Brink.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In August that same year, her employer transferred her to the position of night guest laundry attendant at a wage of $16.50 an hour.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But strikers Carlos Vinicius, Islam Slimani and, to an extent, Darwin Nunez have struggled to transfer their Primeira Liga form in Portugal to the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On January 16, Elon Musk appeared to give the Nazi salute while on stage following the 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The rise in right-wing extremism — not least in Germany, where the far-right AfD party is running second in the polls — gives The Investigation a current relevance, but director Kahl says current politics was not on his mind.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Timely tax tips and the latest news delivered to your inbox weekly Kelly Phillips Erb is a Philadelphia-area Forbes senior writer who covers tax, law, and financial crimes.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know Menendez's downfall began in fall 2023 when the charges were announced, leading to his relinquishing his powerful position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Menendez resigned from office following his conviction and relinquished his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee soon after his September 2023 indictment.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Galinsky highlights how inspiring leaders delegate responsibility and celebrate others’ successes.
    Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • By his own admission, Johnson has needed time to improve his ability to delegate tasks and retain trust in the assistant coaches around him.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near consign

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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