Synonyms of appoint

appoint

verb

ə-ˈpȯint 

1

as in to set

to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority

at the appointed hour we were in our places

Synonyms & Similar Words

• set
• choose
• designate
• select
• pick
• arrange
• establish
• announce
• name
• assign
• specify
• adopt
• determine
• fix
• prefer
• coordinate
• declare
• advertise
• publish
• settle
• pin (down)
• opt (for)
• orchestrate
• single (out)

2

as in to nominate

to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

was appointed to the council on national security

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nominate
• assign
• constitute
• designate
• name
• authorize
• elect
• attach
• commission
• induct
• place
• delegate
• choose
• ordain
• create
• select
• detail
• inaugurate
• install
• deputize
• anoint
• depute
• institute
• consecrate
• crown
• invest
• make
• enthrone
• instate
• handpick
• vote (in)
• destine
• draft
• throne
• single (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismiss
• expel
• discharge
• fire
• remove
• oust
• displace
• depose
• unseat
• evict
• overthrow
• dethrone
• eject
• unmake
• throw out
• blackball
• uncrown

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb appoint contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appoint are accoutre, equip, furnish, and outfit. While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

When is it sensible to use accoutre instead of appoint?

While the synonyms accoutre and appoint are close in meaning, accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

In what contexts can equip take the place of appoint?

The words equip and appoint can be used in similar contexts, but equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

When can furnish be used instead of appoint?

While in some cases nearly identical to appoint, furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

Where would outfit be a reasonable alternative to appoint?

The synonyms outfit and appoint are sometimes interchangeable, but outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of appoint

Bender previously served as a board director since July 2019 and was appointed board chair in May 2024. —David Chiu, People.com, 1 May 2025

DeSantis leads and appoints the heads of all state agencies. —Stephany Matat, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2025

Benedict left the papacy nine years before his death amid a 2013 resignation, with Francis appointed that same year. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025

Sense' Lottery Chief Resigns After 'Biggest Theft' in the History of Texas Houston YMCA Cutting Staff After Trump Funding Blow Governor Abbott will be responsible for appointing members of TREO which will also have up to 18 full-time employees. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025