APPOINT Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

appoint

verb

ə-ˈpȯint

Definition of appoint

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 appoint Trump, in his inimitable way, has tried to get around that by appointing acting people and appointing people to jobs that don’t require Senate confirmation, and so on, and then basically outsourcing large parts of the government. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026 The White House has appointed her associates to help hunt for noncitizen voters and investigate accusations of voting fraud in 2020. — ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026 He was appointed to it because he’s considered an authority on Black history. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 She was appointed vice president of UFW in 1995 when the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee and National Farm Workers Association merged. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appoint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appoint

Verb

Just three plays later, Madsen connected with junior wideout Cam Bates for a 6-yard touchdown and a 17-10 lead that set the groundwork for Boise State to run away with the game.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
This comes after Toney also already set the school record for single-game receiving yards in the season opener against Stanford.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of set

Verb

LaBute was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screenplay, which in and of itself should be a marker of the film’s quality given the Razzies’ consistent knack for being on the wrong side of history.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2026
One of the most memorable episodes of the late Obama years, of course, was the attempt to nominate and put forward Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, which was blocked by Senator [Mitch] McConnell.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of nominate

Verb

Hormones aren’t the only treatments Some patients choose not to take full-body hormonal medications or are advised by their doctors to avoid them because of their medical histories or conditions.

— Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
With so many electrolyte products out there, choosing the right one is a challenge in and of itself — and the answer really depends on your needs, Efird says.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

However, coordinating multiple agents remains difficult because humans must still assign tasks, monitor progress and resolve conflicts between their outputs.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Hochul signed an executive order in October assigning New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate the case.

— Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of assign

Verb

The United States designates both critical minerals and critical materials, and there is some crossover between them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Sotheby’s announced Thursday that the works, recently designated French national treasures, had been withdrawn following discussions between the Schlumberger family and the city of Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne’s hometown.

— Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of designate

Verb

There also may be limits to what constitutes a covered cancellation, delay, or interruption.

— Aly J Yale, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
The ordinance also authorizes administrative fines of up to $1,000 for each violation and provides that each catalytic converter unlawfully possessed may constitute a separate misdemeanor charge.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of constitute

Verb

Silk was selected for its ability to bind chemically to pigment, as well as its appearance, according to the company.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Below, find a (ahem) tight edit of the best skin firming creams, as selected by dermatologists and Vogue editors, for tightening the skin on the face, neck, and chest.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

The proof of concept combines robotic manipulation, AI and virtual simulation to explore how robots can pick components from containers and arrange them in the correct order for vehicle assembly.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The country estate sits on a 40-acre lot in the alpine village of Tolochenaz, near Lausanne, guaranteeing privacy—and plenty of space to host garden parties or pick cherries from the orchard, as Audrey did decades ago.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of pick

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apply (to)

appoint

appointed

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Style

“Appoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appoint. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of appoint

verb

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