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
  • Yet robust economic growth has proved elusive, even as government debt has climbed, leaving successive administrations with little firepower to fix a growing list of related challenges, from crumbling infrastructure to a chronic housing shortage.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Adis does the right thing and asks to leave the boat.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 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
  • After, Roelker earned the confidence of Musk and a key lieutenant, Mark Juncosa, who began entrusting him with increasingly important projects, including flight software for Falcon Heavy, Crew Dragon, early versions of Starship, and, of course, the Starlink Internet constellation.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • The advisors entrusted with guiding substantial fortunes must combine technical expertise, strategic foresight and an ability to serve clients whose financial lives often span businesses, generations and continents.
    Riley de León, CNBC, 22 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
  • Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Dewey Burdock also joined the Fast-41 permitting program last year, giving it access to an accelerated federal review process reserved for priority infrastructure and critical mineral projects.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 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 25 Jun. 2026.

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