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 Otherwise, these future soldiers are consigned to another week working off the pounds. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 But a healthy, wholesome chat turns into something else when their tipsy stroll leads them to the home of Ed Little, the man with the power to consign Charlie’s failure to obscurity. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025 Apart from long term archiving applications, hard drives are largely consigned to the past. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Reddit/u/Frasnet Slinky could so easily have fallen between the cracks and ended up being consigned to a future stuck waiting in the shelter for a family that never comes. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • His longtime agent and friend, Steve Caric, often sends clients to him in the winter and early spring for extra work, and Paulsen welcomes them into his home and his brain.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • At Collina Strada’s New York Fashion Week spring 2026 show, designer Hillary Taymour sent hairy beanies down the runway, while Schiaparelli and Simone Rocha have produced human hair accessories, neckties, and earrings.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bagsmart Tech Organizer Nothing feels messier than cords tangled at the bottom of your bag mid-travel day, which is why this smart tech organizer never leaves my suitcase.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
  • After September’s move, Kalshi traders quickly repriced the rest of 2025, concentrating on a two-cut scenario (October and December) and leaving a tail for only one more cut or, less likely, a larger November–December adjustment.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Finally, there’s the fact that the Blazers are handing him the gig, with Clingan playing 30 minutes in the opener against Minnesota.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • With 43 seconds on the clock and a timeout in his back pocket, Albin chose the conservative route, handing the ball off twice and forgoing a Hail Mary to send the game to the half knotted up.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When needed, just transfer your items, breeze through security, and pop them back in your bag afterward.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Add the ginger during the last minute of cooking, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hamida gives Kammo food, material necessities, and, perhaps most critically, affection.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Lastly, clear every last bit of residue out by giving the disposal a final rinse.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos delivered a historic 33-point fourth-quarter comeback to beat the New York Giants and extend their win streak to four games while moving into first place in the AFC West with a 5-2 mark.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • These candidates, expected to seek approval by 2026, use a special technology designed to deliver RNA therapeutics directly to muscle tissue.
    Reuters, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Prior to his takeover, the sister pageants suffered some shakeups, most notably after the 2023 adult and junior winners, Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastav, relinquished their titles.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This incident comes just days after Prince Andrew relinquished his remaining royal titles.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Someone hip enough to relate to kids, young enough to evolve, confident enough to delegate and stubborn enough to chase championships.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Nyx called on the crowd to defend immigrant rights in the wake of Idaho’s signed 287(g) agreement, which allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement to the state police.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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