Definition of consignnext

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 If splashy headlines are to be believed, artificial intelligence is already consigning new graduates to a life of unemployment. Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 It was never consigned in writing. Literary Hub, 6 May 2026 Hitler comes to power; Lajos, by now a regional administrator, reluctantly carries out the Nazis’ orders, consigning the local Jewish population to death; Ilona and her husband flee to America by way of Switzerland. Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026 Mannequins will be displayed permanently after gala And these 25 new mannequins will not be consigned — as some are — to retirement after the show, which opens to the public May 10. CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Other loose ends from previous seasons include Rhaena’s quest to tame a wild dragon and the status of Rhaenyra’s youngest children who were sent away for their safety.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Canada, meanwhile, keeps sending off its starters in favor of fresh legs, with four non-injury substitutions so far.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • If a bear is calmly minding its own business 100 yards away, leave it alone and continue creating distance.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • The match became even more important after Spain, the heavy favorite to win Group H and a contender to win tournament, tied Cape Verde 0-0 in the earlier match, leaving the group lead up for grabs.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Making that fantasy feel believable required far more than putting Lestat in leather and handing him a microphone.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • When fans walked into Globe Life Mall, they were handed a free sleeveless replica jersey for former Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, who happens to be Jewish.
    Mac Engel June 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • McConnell gets solid performances from his actors, none more so than Yurich, who obviously took a leap by entrusting his story to someone else but pours himself into the role to a degree that suggests complete trust.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • You are not simply assigned a room, you are temporarily entrusted with the care of an extraordinary beachfront home.
    Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Junior Kris Carranza has transferred from Sierra Canyon to Agoura and is a top candidate to start.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • But instead of facing a criminal-court judge he was transferred to ICE custody and has remained there ever since.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Seven years later, the FDA has given Colorado the go-ahead, but there's still a lot to be done.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • From a box-score perspective, Brind’Amour’s case ranks similarly to that of Rick Tocchet, Bill Guerin and Ray Whitney, who are all unlikely to be inducted given other sure-thing candidates about to retire around the league.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • To sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox, click here.
    Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 22 June 2026
  • Daniel takes advantage of this momentary distraction to deliver a left hook, right punch to the gut, asking Lestat about his maker, Magnus (Damien Atkins).
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Originally foreseen as the second Air Jordan of Michael’s post-player era, the Air Jordan 16 was designed by Wilson Smith III after Tinker Hatfield relinquished the reins.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
  • In 2023, ten years after relinquishing the kneeling figures, the Met gave a further 14 items from its collection back to Cambodia.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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