commit

Definition of commitnext
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as in to pledge
to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 At any moment, we could be corralled in a mass detention sweep, bound and raped and maced and mauled for committing the crime of simply existing on our land. Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026 In 2010 Gates signed onto the Giving Pledge, a campaign launched by Gates, his ex-wife Melinda French Gates, and former Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, encouraging the world’s richest to commit the majority of their wealth to charitable organizations. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026 If an organization proposes a costly event, suggest a pilot version with clear roles before committing funds. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026 Roblox denied her claims and said it was committed to working with the prosecutor’s office to keep children safe. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Talik Rashaun Garcia, 36, was arrested following a search warrant at an apartment on Peterborough Street, executed by officers from the Boston Police and Mass State Police, BPD said in a statement.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
  • He was executed by the Brigades on May 9, and his body was discovered in the trunk of a car in Rome.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Democrats have pledged not to send DHS any more money until Republicans agree to impose new restrictions on federal immigration agents in response to Good and Pretti's deaths.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The meeting covered future Gaza plans, including the area’s development potential; FIFA pledged millions for a new stadium.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The newest Chinese subs are not believed to be as quiet as US ones, leaving the stealth advantage to the US Navy.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Homan said that immigration operations will continue even as additional agents leave the state.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • He was jailed in January 2021 and moved to an Arctic penal colony in late 2023.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For example, Yasser Abu Shabab, the now-deceased head of one of the gangs, reportedly escaped prison, where he was jailed for drug smuggling.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If the goal is to just hang around, win 81 games, and pray for a Wild Card spot, then congratulations — mission accomplished.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Tangibly, that can only be accomplished in the offseason – adding players through the transfer portal, bringing in freshman recruits.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Trump vowed to use other methods to implement tariffs.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
  • In Washington, congressional Democrats have made a mask ban for ICE a key issue in the ongoing partial government shutdown, vowing not to fund the Department of Homeland Security until one is enacted.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • No charges were filed against Ramos-Caballero and he was never arrested by the Boise Police Department, who handed him over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents the day of the incident.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The City Council has not voted on the project since handing it off in October 2024 and did not weigh in on the plans before their release.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Even today, families continue searching for loved ones, uncertain whether they are imprisoned or dead.
    Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Navalnaya said her husband exhibited no instances of heart disease before he was imprisoned.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on commit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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