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 Few estates have consigned major works, and according to market watchers, many private sellers are opting to sit out. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025 However, these attempts are futile, and such baseless rumors will ultimately be consigned to the dustbin of history. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Putting your priorities there may consign you to minority status among 2025’s wider bloc of pop fans. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025 The saga of the Shubert brothers was now consigned to ancient history — even though its scandalous denouement was quite recent history — and the current monarchs were not about to call attention to it. Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • On Sunday, Inoue will try to send fans back to work on Monday having watched an entertaining fight.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • The shocking conclusion of A Simple Favor, which takes place in the fictional suburban town of Warfield, Conn., ends with Emily being sentenced to 20 years in prison for two separate murders and Stephanie being the one to help send her there.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
    Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
  • What’s your take on Maggie leaving Negan to rot for a year?
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Last month, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week handed the designer its 2025 Industry Impact Award, which recognizes significant contributions to the bridal sector.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • After Bregman turned down their four-year, $115 million offer, the Cubs handed the job to Shaw, who had a slower, limited start to spring training due to an oblique injury.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Benning transferred to Harvard after the Fighting Irish shifted to club status in 1983.
    Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The first two years of the suspension, Baffert transferred his most promising horses to Tim Yakteen, his former assistant.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Haack has also moved on with boyfriend Christopher Larocca, CEO and president of Network Connex, and has been giving her followers a look at their relationship on social media.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • While disruptive to e-commerce, the end of de minimis treatment of Chinese goods could give a boost to retailers less reliant on e-commerce or on Chinese manufacturing.
    Helen Reid, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Four days after the hearing, Nina and Harriet went to the gravesite to deliver the news.
    Erin Moriarty, Liza Finley, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • But Isaac only has one other big scene after the opening credits, an extremely trope-y case of a villain (or, at least, an antagonist) delivering an autobiographical monologue while preparing to torture someone.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Last year, Sabalenka relinquished the Madrid Open title to Iga Świątek in the best WTA Tour match of the season.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • In the past month, many of these universities have been ordered to relinquish their academic independence, stripped of federal funds, had their students seized on the streets, and watched as faculty have begun an exodus to foreign academic institutions beyond the reach of the U.S. government.
    Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • May is the time to invest wisely, delegate responsibly, and set the foundations of your kingdom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • There are those who can't cooperate with others or can't delegate.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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