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 Consider the refugees consigned by the United States to Latin America, by the European Union to Turkey and Pakistan, or by Australia to the island of Nauru. Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 And that would consign Americans and foreigners alike to undue suffering. Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Louise decided to sell the apartment and consign nearly 40 artworks to Christie’s, including a Mondrian painting that will be the auction house’s most expensive artwork this season, with an estimate around $50 million. Tim F. Schneider, New York Times, 12 May 2025 To avert a drift toward division and conflict in Europe, the Trump administration should not consign Ukraine to Europe’s periphery. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The university will also be required to send personalized apology letters to impacted female swimmers.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • He’s expected to appear at the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a change of plea hearing, according to the letter sent to the families.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • That left officials urging victims and survivors to come forward and work with authorities to ensure accountability.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
  • Prioritize child and pet safety: Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • But once the group noticed that Ginny had already died and turned to a zombie, Maggie could not finish the job, and instead handed her knife to Negan to finish off the young girl.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
  • The clip, which has been viewed 1.7 million times, received over a thousand comments from other users with their own stories of nervous uncles and the universal chaos of handing a baby to someone who hasn't quite figured out which end is which.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • Use tongs or a large spoon to transfer a few pieces of the boozy fruit into each cup.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • By contrast, people given placebo injections lost around 200 grams.
    Rachel Fieldhouse, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • The result gives your look an effortless dose of cool when tucked into anything from black jeans to colorful wide-leg trousers.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The new Lenovo Chromebook Plus will deliver its ground-breaking new Dolby Atmos support right alongside all the customary combination of power and usability for which Chromebooks have become renowned.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The company has booked more than 80 launches with several providers, including rival SpaceX, to deliver Kuiper its satellites into orbit.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Do it, talk to each other, ask questions, reach out to members, and remember that no one has ever relinquished power willingly, even for things as small as better hours, or more holiday time.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Jean-Baptiste Voisin, chief strategy officer at LVMH, relinquished his responsibilities as head of LVMH Métiers d’Art and will now take on leadership of LVMH Media Research and Brand Image teams, previously helmed by Mathilde Delhoume, who is also taking on new responsibilities.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The responsibility of drafting specific regulations and implementing the reporting standards was delegated to the California Air Resources Board.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The plaintiffs argued that the fund is unlawful because Congress unconstitutionally delegated its authority to the FCC, which in turn transferred power to the Universal Service Administrative Company.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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