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
  • More news: Lakers Star LeBron James to Receive Official Barbie However, that all suddenly changed earlier this season, when he was sent to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Jefferson’s is known for taking its bourbon on a journey—literally, with the Ocean Aged at Sea series that sends barrels around the world on container ships to age in different climates, or the Tropics release that ships casks to other countries where they are exposed to high heat and humidity.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For that reason, Santoro left Rivolta Femminile and in 1976 founded the Cooperativa Beato Angelico, the first women’s art space in Rome, together with ten other Italian women.
    Paola Ugolini, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The sighting left the researchers with more questions than answers… but that’s the beauty of studying the ocean.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The cosmos may hand you inspiration on a silver platter today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The broken statue enjoyed a brief stay at Newbury’s police station before investigators handed it back to the Newbury Business Improvement District for repairs.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 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
  • This configuration allows an exceptional power reserve of 216 hours (nine days), delivered with constant force to the escapement.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Related: Get more of SELF’s stellar product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hamas does not tolerate dissent and will not relinquish power easily.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Israel says the war won’t end until Hamas relinquishes power and releases the remaining 59 hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 2025.

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