commit

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as in to pledge
to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word commit distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of commit are confide, consign, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," 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 can confide be used instead of commit?

In some situations, the words confide and commit are roughly equivalent. However, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When could consign be used to replace commit?

The meanings of consign and commit largely overlap; however, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

In what contexts can entrust take the place of commit?

The words entrust and commit can be used in similar contexts, but entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

Where would relegate be a reasonable alternative to commit?

While the synonyms relegate and commit are close in meaning, 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 commit Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Donate now This organization is committed to combatting food insecurity throughout the L.A. region and serves more than 900,000 people each month. Michelle Baran, AFAR Media, 9 Jan. 2025 While the Democratic Party remains in a tailspin since its loss in November’s election, which saw its rival Republican Party take the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, Fetterman is committed to working with the new president-elect. Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024 Broussard is the fourth transfer offensive lineman to commit to the Razorbacks. Richard Davenport, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024 This is an exciting time for rail in America, and Amtrak is committed to leading the way. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for commit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • It has been widely reported that the President-elect plans to execute as many as 100 executive orders on a wide variety of issues during his first day in office next Monday.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Over the course of two decades, Rita executed 169 transfers, averaging $2.5 million per year.
    Sean Keane, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Minnesota House Democrats pledged Monday to boycott the start of the legislative session if Republicans attempt to use their temporary 67-66 majority to take control of the chamber and elect GOP Leader Lisa Demuth as speaker.
    Torey Van Oot, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Now, Trump, who will be president again in two weeks, has pledged to pardon the Jan. 6 defendants, even as prosecutions are actively continuing.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That leaves a hole on the Bombers' infield that had mostly been occupied since 2018.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Nixon went on to win the presidency eight years later and later left office in disgrace following the Watergate scandal.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Philippines from 1972 to 1986, the United States trained and funded a Philippine army that tortured, jailed, and disappeared thousands of dissidents.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Robinson was jailed after admitting contempt of court last year for continually repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee that led to the refugee and his family receiving death threats.
    David Gilbert, WIRED, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Six other teams also performed worse at home than on the road, including two home teams this playoff weekend: the Baltimore Ravens (hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night) and the Houston Texans (hosting the Los Angeles Chargers to kick off the playoff slate).
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Legendary actor Harrison Ford eats there on his trips to Wichita when his maintenance performed on his plane, per a Wichita Eagle story.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For example, Trump vowed during the presidential campaign to deny Newsom federal money to fight wildfires unless the governor diverted more water to farms.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • For this year, authorities have vowed to make boosting consumption a top priority and to revive credit demand with lower corporate financing and household borrowing costs.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When handing it back, the car showed 40.5 mpg on the long-term readout.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to accept the honor, Audiard handed the mic to Gascón, who made history as the first trans actress ever nominated for a Golden Globe.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The decision marks another significant setback for Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Zuckerberg — who Trump once threatened to imprison for life — has reset Meta by scrapping social media fact-checkers and restrictions ondenigrating LGBTQ people, immigrants, and women.
    Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near commit

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on commit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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