COMMIT Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'commit' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of commit are confide , consign , entrust , and relegate . While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," 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

Q: When can 'confide' be used instead of 'commit'?

In some situations, the words confide and commit are roughly equivalent. However, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance. // confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

Q: When could 'consign' be used to replace 'commit'?

The meanings of consign and commit largely overlap; however, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality. // consigned the damaging notes to the fire

Q: In what contexts can 'entrust' take the place of 'commit'?

The words entrust and commit can be used in similar contexts, but entrust implies committing with trust and confidence. // the president is entrusted with broad powers

Q: Where would 'relegate' be a reasonable alternative to 'commit'?

While the synonyms relegate and commit are close in meaning, 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

commit

verb

kə-ˈmit

Definition of commit

as in to execute

to carry through (as a process) to completion accused of committing a felony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pledge

to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

renege

as in to leave

to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another commit only some power to each official

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to jail

to put in or as if in prison The defendant was committed to prison following the guilty verdict.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word commit distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of commit are confide, consign, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," 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 can confide be used instead of commit?

In some situations, the words confide and commit are roughly equivalent. However, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When could consign be used to replace commit?

The meanings of consign and commit largely overlap; however, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

In what contexts can entrust take the place of commit?

The words entrust and commit can be used in similar contexts, but entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

Where would relegate be a reasonable alternative to commit?

While the synonyms relegate and commit are close in meaning, 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 commit In fact several players from the Class of 2022 have committed to schools in recent days assuming they will be granted another year by the courts. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026 Boards routinely commit millions of dollars to CEOs and other senior leaders through salary, equity, long-term incentive plans, retention packages, and other forms of executive compensation. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 If jurors find she cannot be held criminally responsible, the court will likely begin the process of committing her to a psychiatric hospital. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 United Airlines has committed to eventually purchasing 100 aircraft from Heart Aerospace, with other major airline customers also having signed letters of intent, according to Flying magazine. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit

Verb

Bobby’s color palette is bizarre, and her idea of a sash that transforms into a shawl scarf is really cool but executed poorly.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Adding a dose of Rosenwald’s no-nonsense business acumen to our current efforts to execute good works would really help.

— Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

Astronomical instruments require calibration before use, and this is accomplished by targeting a familiar object in the sky and tuning the instruments to how that object should appear.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Nichols was inspired by what Richard Linklater had accomplished with the Austin Film Society and its impact on the local film scene in Austin, Texas, where Nichols resides.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of accomplish

Verb

While Lindsey Graham was focused on foreign policy and national security, having returned from a trip to Ukraine to visit President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a day before his death, his sister has vowed to focus on issues affecting South Carolinians.

— Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
The 35-year-old Fedorov was a longtime ally of Zelensky until his unexpected firing from the Defense Ministry in July, just six months after he had been appointed, vowing sweeping reforms.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of vow

Verb

The bold reforms, which Tinubu’s government argues saved the economy and handed the government more money, were cheered by investors but resulted in soaring inflation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
He was handed a wild card to play doubles at Wimbledon this year but lost in the first round.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of hand

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“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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