commit

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2
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

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 commit The diplomatic breakthrough — with France committing to recognize Palestine and co-hosting a UN conference with Saudi Arabia — and the global backlash against the shocking images of starvation and suffering in Gaza, marks a turning point. Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The club have committed to significant future costs, so anything to offset those will be welcome. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 The initial plan, which was introduced in April, would commit $1.1 billion in taxpayer funds towards the stadium’s construction as well as the two parking garages that will have 8,000 spots combined. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 2025 At the same time, Sakimoto appears committed to conserving this piece of fashion history. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • The food and cocktails are creative, expertly executed, and made with care.
    Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
  • That in turn has made for a challenging time for Paramount employees who have had to execute in that environment.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Superintendent Matias Segura has pledged to wait until all other options are exhausted to make cuts that would directly affect campus staff.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Kering has pledged to cap spending, close stores and streamline operations in a bid to gradually return to profitability in the second half.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Thousands left in divestitures, including the sale or spin-offs of Iams pet food, Duracell batteries and a large portfolio of more than 40 beauty brands, including Clairol and Wella hair coloring and CoverGirl makeup.
    Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • Where shopping secondhand reduces the amount of clothing sent to the landfill every year, buying new clothing modeled after 2000s trends leaves real vintage clothes to go to waste.
    Molly Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Uribe joins a list of Latin American leaders who have been convicted and sometimes jailed, including Peru’s Alberto Fujimori, Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Ecuador’s Rafael Correa, Argentina’s Cristina Fernandez and Panama’s Ricardo Martinelli.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
  • Chavez said his first two days of unrestricted freedom have been a whirlwind, reuniting with friends and family, and finally getting to meaningfully connect with his daughter, who was born right around the time he was first jailed.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Precision Door of Visalia recommends keeping the garage door fully closed to maintain its structural integrity while performing regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, to prolong its life.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Ursa Minor recently consolidated its split California/Oregon operations into a single facility in the Portland area, which performs all installations.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Cora vows this year will be different despite the few additions in comparison to the rest of the league.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
  • President Donald Trump has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, an initiative that has seen an intensification of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and arrests across the country, including people with valid visas and documentation.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier that month, Dobie students, teachers and families learned the district is considering closing their 51-year-old campus or handing it over to a charter operator in the fall as a preemptive measure to stave off severe state sanctions.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Oswego County locals say the sheriff’s patrol is stopping Latino drivers for minor or unprovable violations, then handing them over to Border Patrol.
    Mina Aguilar, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The trailer starts out with Starlight saving Sinclair’s blood-bending hero Marie from the mysterious hospital room where she was imprisoned in the Season 1 finale.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • The chapel, constructed between 1519 and 1520 under Henry VIII, serves as the final resting place for famous historical figures like Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Thomas More, John Fisher and Lady Jane Grey, all of whom who were imprisoned and beheaded at the Tower.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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