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 With him and Wolf on the floor throughout the final period, Brooklyn recorded 10 assists on 11 baskets and committed only two turnovers. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026 Enjoy the gathering without committing to every extension of it. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026 If yes or maybe, grant a one-year reprieve and commit to taking better care of the rose next year. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026 Green ran for a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter for Westlake and Owen Rockabrand Kneizeh threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Cal commit Charles Davis to enter halftime with a 14-14 tie. — Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Hours earlier, Indiana executed a man for killing two children by setting a house fire in 2010, and in Alabama, a man received the last lethal injection of the day for his conviction in the killing of an elderly man and woman in a home robbery.
    — KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • For example, when executing a larger order in a fast-moving market, the venue displaying the best price may not have enough liquidity available to fill it.
    — Adam Cohn, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Not too long ago, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was pledging to use his company’s size and scale to galvanize corporate America to confront global warming.
    — Evan Halper, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged an investigation and improvements to restore trust in the system that carried some 45 million travelers last year, including millions of tourists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Lombardo declined to participate in an October candidate forum hosted by KUNR Public Radio, leaving Ford to appear alone.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey leaves the home of supporter Pam Carr Hagerman for more campaigning in West Dundee on July 22, 2022.
    — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Wong has been arrested and jailed repeatedly for his activism over the years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Some prominent figures have been detained Officials jailed so far include Vucic’s chief of criminal police, Marko Kricak, and another senior police official, both suspected of abuse of office in connection with a high-profile murder investigation.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That said, Antonelli’s rise to fame was much, much quicker, reaching the milestone that all F1 drivers set out to accomplish, yet most of them never do.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Valkyries owner Joe Lacob guaranteed a championship within the first five years for this franchise three years ago when the Bay Area was granted an expansion team, and in improbable, joyful fashion, his team accomplished it in Year 2.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Someone who hung up on your problem is unlikely to listen to a nasty critique and vow to reform.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Continue reading … FEDERAL CRACKDOWN — DHS vows to find, charge and deport noncitizens voting in midterm elections.
    — , FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The central bank's board voted unanimously late Monday to put Ueno Bank into resolution and hand its management to officials charged with assessing its finances and protecting its assets, the regulator said Tuesday.
    — EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The win handed Democrats their 53rd Senate seat, padding what has proved to be a dominant victory across the board.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The politically outspoken Panahi has been repeatedly imprisoned and put under house arrest by Iranian authorities over the years.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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