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

She was later appointed as England's Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health, aged just 37 in 1999, the youngest person ever to get the role. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

In 2020, Thompson was appointed president of the University of Wisconsin system and led state universities through the turbulence of the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic. —Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025

First female Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed Sarah Mullally was appointed today as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide and the first woman to hold the role. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

Allison Dorval was appointed CFO of AIRNA, a biotech company. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025