Definition of commitnext
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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

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 And while Haiti has committed to a handover protocol for child gang members, getting the public to accept reintegration of anyone with gang associations is likely to be challenging. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Andrade accused Uthmeier and the foundation’s attorney of a conspiracy to commit money laundering. — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Experimental results can help engineers identify uncertainties before committing to larger, more expensive demonstrations. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 Though their journeys have each been unique, one conviction that they mutually are committed to is a desire to do justice to the craft and the responsibility held by women who dedicate their lives to their pen. — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Classical computers can efficiently execute this method, but translating it into quantum circuits creates a major storage problem.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There's no one character who came up with the idea and executed it … the existence of AI today comes down to many papers, many individual discoveries, and a whole lot of obsession.
    — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Despite pledging to participate in multiple debates, Becerra brushed aside several invitations, agreeing to just a solitary one-hour face-off against Hilton on CNN in late September.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The attorney general nevertheless pledged to continue preparing the state prosecution and investigating others who may have participated.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One flight last week leaving from al-Qassim airport north of Riyadh to Geneva, sold for €94,000 ($105,000), compared with a price of about €60,000 ($67,000) before the closure of the main airport in Riyadh.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This serving tray combines natural rattan with an elevated floral pattern filled with roses and autumn leaves atop a stainless steel base.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Americans in the nation's early days could be jailed for failing to repay debts — and some argue that debtors' prisons persist.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Davis anti-transgender activist and school board candidate Beth Bourne was briefly jailed on trespassing charges Tuesday after her arrest outside a Sonoma high school, the Sonoma newspaper reported.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In theory, these devices could accomplish tasks of great complexity.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Florida’s top law enforcement officials vowed Monday to pursue former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for his role in the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes off the island’s coast.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The country's economy minister Roland Lescure has vowed government support for business owners who have suffered losses from the riots.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The claw would drop, close on a bear’s head and lift it, then either lose its grip or hand you something else.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Position grades were brutal, with F’s handed to the quarterback, running back and offensive line — Dak Prescott finished 34 of 54 for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and the backfield mustered just 41 rushing yards on 13 carries.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Monday that 2,513 people had been taken into custody amid the recent protests, with 67 people imprisoned.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Otero Alcántara, who was released into exile three months ago after five years in prison, said he had been arrested several times before he was imprisoned in 2021.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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