1
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority
the designated time for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to appoint
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
he has yet to designate his successor as head of the firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to name
to give a name to
he was designated "Air Jordan" by his fans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of designate
Always use brand-new potting soil designated for indoor seeding.
—
Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
At the same time, district officials explained, in writing, how parents can designate someone to take care of their children if they’re separated from them — a process that requires a notarized document known as a Delegation of Parental Authority, or a DOPA.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2025
The Biden administration first designated Venezuela for Temporary Protection in March 2021, a decision that was widely celebrated in South Florida.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The Dodgers designated relief pitcher Ryan Brasier for assignment Thursday to make room for their latest free-agent addition.
—Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for designate 
Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
At the same time, district officials explained, in writing, how parents can designate someone to take care of their children if they’re separated from them — a process that requires a notarized document known as a Delegation of Parental Authority, or a DOPA.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2025
The Biden administration first designated Venezuela for Temporary Protection in March 2021, a decision that was widely celebrated in South Florida.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
The Dodgers designated relief pitcher Ryan Brasier for assignment Thursday to make room for their latest free-agent addition.
—Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for designate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate
Verb
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Their rollout has not always gone smoothly: Many officers choose not to activate them, leading some departments to use cameras that activate automatically as a gun is removed from a holster, for example.—
Thomas C. Zambito,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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However, a 2023 Gallup poll found that this demographic is much less likely to choose an electric vehicle as their car of choice.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The county Board of Supervisors will appoint Gibson — who will take sponsor group training before being seated as a new member — likely in March.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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At the time, Warner Bros. appointed Kids, Young Adult and Classics president Tom Ascheim to manage the Wizarding World and Potter franchises, which include theme parks, tours and the $9.1 billion-grossing theatrical library that spans the Harry Potter and spinoff Fantastic Beasts titles.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The base was renamed Fort Liberty in 2023 because it was originally named after Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, but a Pentagon statement on Monday gave its full new name as Fort Roland L. Bragg.—
Rebecca Falconer,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
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The brand is in for an extended period of turmoil following the exit of creative director Sabato de Sarno last week after less than two years in the job, and with no replacement named.—
Joelle Diderich,
WWD,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The 97th Academy Awards are set for Sunday, March 2, 2025.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
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The bond for the latest offense was set at $10,000.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Trump nominated Ed Martin, an election denier who was outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, to be U.S. attorney for Washington.—
David Leonhardt,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2025
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Chalamet, who's nominated for leading actor for A Complete Unknown, wore a classic black Bottega Veneta suit with a black T-shirt underneath and black dress shoes for his big night.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Those in need of shelter from the cold can call 211 to check availability of beds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2023
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Their children’s schoolmates call the sisters the Puffling Queens.—
Cheryl Katz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Feb. 2023
Verb
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By Tiana Randall February 7, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Tiana Randall,
Architectural Digest,
7 Feb. 2025
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He was selected second overall in the 1994 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts after three All-American seasons at San Diego State.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Maximo, who’s 6-foot-8, was assigned to guard Nikolas Khamenia of Harvard-Westlake and Tyran Stokes of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, two All-Americans.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
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Who was Roland Bragg? Bragg was born in Sabattus, Maine, in 1923, and after joining the Army was assigned to the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, according to the DoD. He was stationed at Fort Bragg during World War II and ended up fighting in Europe.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near designate
Cite this Entry
“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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