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 They were left operating on fumes by the end, with Ollie Watkins — Duran’s replacement — starved of service and Morgan Rogers consigned to trudging off the pitch, knowing his long dribbling bursts would have scant options ahead of him. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Additionally, the collector consigned the painting, which also carries a third-party guarantee. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 Feb. 2025 You’re allowed to consign a maximum of 20 items per visit. Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions, took to social media to make a plea to the child and the family to consign the card with his company involving a unique caveat. Larry Holder, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The Bears sent a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for Thuney and a sixth-round selection in next month’s draft to the Los Angeles Rams for Jackson.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The sudden implementation of tariffs by the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through Wall Street, triggering the S&P 500’s fifth-fastest correction in 75 years.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many students lost fundamental reading and math skills after learning remotely for months and some teachers left the profession altogether by the time schools returned the next school year, national data from the U.S. Department of Education shows.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The firings leave the FTC with only two commissioners instead of the typical five.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Tigers recorded 39 shots compared with just 10 for the Lancers, as Towson handed Longwood (0-7) its biggest loss of the season.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In late January, FEMA provided that, handing her the keys to a temporary trailer at a quiet mobile home park in Black Mountain.
    Ames Alexander (INACTIVE0, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The two test pilots were originally set to return on Boeing's Starliner capsule, but critical failures during its first crewed flight forced NASA to extend their stay and transfer them to SpaceX for their journey home.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Keep Hair Off Your Back Natural oil from your hair may be transferred to the skin on your back, creating an optimal environment for bacne breakouts.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Even the historically bad White Sox can't justify giving Gallo an opportunity to continue hitting.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The law requires a president to declare the U.S. is at war, giving him extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners who otherwise would have protections under immigration or criminal laws.
    Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The companies that jump curves and develop the new tools and skills that deliver what matters to today’s customers will win.
    Barry Libert, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • However, on the day the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts delivered his pep talk to the Palisades High baseball team, the school newspaper was not there to cover it.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Britain’s slimmer new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also relinquished the U.K.’s past leadership in research and expertise, largely due to pay reductions and restrictions on hiring non-British nationals.
    Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • She was relinquished by her first adoptive family due to her behavioral issues.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Actively demonstrate and teach your team to delegate routine tasks to AI while personally handling situations requiring judgment and empathy.
    Shayne Fitz-Coy, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This will help hospitals improve management efficiency as well as effectiveness, reduce costs, delegate remaining costs toward dedicated caregiving—therefore, ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
    Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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