assign

1
as in to task
to give a task, duty, or responsibility to assigned the class with the task of finding something in the state constitution they felt needed changing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word assign different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of assign are ascribe, attribute, credit, and impute. While all these words mean "to lay something to the account of a person or thing," assign implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation.

assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period

In what contexts can ascribe take the place of assign?

The synonyms ascribe and assign are sometimes interchangeable, but ascribe suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship.

forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters

How is attribute related to other words for assign?

Attribute suggests less tentativeness than ascribe, less definiteness than assign.

attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate

Where would credit be a reasonable alternative to assign?

In some situations, the words credit and assign are roughly equivalent. However, credit implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation.

credited his teammates for his success

When is it sensible to use impute instead of assign?

While in some cases nearly identical to assign, impute suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame.

tried to impute sinister motives to my actions

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 assign The preliminary report does not assign blame or determine the cause of the close calls, details which will be included in a final report, which often takes a year to complete. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025 When a dedicated aide position becomes vacant at a school, the administrative team will ensure the student continues to receive support by temporarily assigning another qualified staff member, such as a paraprofessional or itinerant special education assistant, until the position is filled. Chris Papst, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025 Upon their return, Democrats were assigned state police escorts to prevent further delays. Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 About 145 fire personnel were assigned to the Bronco Fire, according to the team. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assign
Verb
  • Guard Lucas Patrick was tasked with picking him up on stunts or when Stewart kicks inside in certain packages.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Instead, local jurisdictions are tasked with determining those needs for their communities.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Some members of Congress are also concerned that the Trump administration might simply refuse to spend money allotted to NASA and other federal agencies in any budget bill.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
  • According to experts who spoke with Newsweek, beyond alleviating poverty and providing economic stability to those currently underserved by their respective welfare systems, basic income programs would allow citizens to allot their time to other priorities beyond labor.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • The great flip has happened; the mind has ceded its power, and the body reigns supreme.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
  • In 2025, Trump's control over the party has only grown stronger as the president has expanded the use of executive action and Congress has ceded much of its power over federal spending and oversight.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pulte said the loans in question date to mid-2021, before Cook was appointed to the Fed by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate the following year.
    Andrea Shalal, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Bonta, first appointed to his role by Gov. Gavin Newsom four years ago, is an important player in any ballot amendment’s passage.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The coach didn’t entrust anyone other than himself to ensure Allen’s safety, as he was firmly planted on the quarterback’s field, with a whistle in hand, at all times.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • After more than a decade of development and testing, US military officials are finally ready to entrust United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to haul a batch of national security satellites into space.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • By understanding geographic differences, companies can strategically allocate resources to better serve their customers.
    Nancy Clark, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The final tally allocated 2,076 shares at $250 each, 173 shares at $2,500 each, 148 shares at $5,000 each and154 shares at $25,000 each, according to the filing.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Washington’s deadlock has created a tectonic shift transferring power — and the locus for activity — back to the regions.
    Russell Hancock, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The Wolverines were also planning to transfer $6.1 million less to the school overall this year, while initiating a series of budget cuts that could save $10 million year-over-year, according to the Detroit Free Press.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kathleen Felix-Hager’s work on season four has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Costume Design in a Comedy Series for the 77th Emmy Awards.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The show was nominated for multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assign. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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