commit

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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 The Rockies committed three errors plus a brutal mental hiccup that gave the Padres six runs last night. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025 This is a very personal question that in no way commits Comité Colbert or our maisons. Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 Republicans are committed to trillions in federal spending cuts, and Medicaid is appearing as a large target. Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025 But McMillan was the Panthers’ headliner and sent a clear message that the organization is committed to helping its quarterback. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Action: Recommending or autonomously executing optimal decisions based on those insights Think of intelligence as foresight, like knowing product demand will spike next week.
    Keith Moore, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Vulnerabilities result from programming errors found in webserver software that, when exploited, allow attackers to execute malicious code in the browsers of people visiting an affected website.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • To remedy the lack of fresh food, some municipalities have pledged part of their state grocery tax revenues to attract grocery stores, and are contractually obligated to come up with the money whether the state provides it or not.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
  • This has changed since the last general election, with mayor Andy Street losing to Labour candidate Parker, who pledged to redevelop Witton Station in his manifesto.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
    Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
  • What’s your take on Maggie leaving Negan to rot for a year?
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • The unusual dispute will next week go before a judge, who will hear arguments on whether Hall should remain jailed.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
  • He was arraigned May 2 and jailed on a $75,000 bond.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • Like her older sisters Elle and Jane, Hansen has helped carry on a winning tradition at Cohasset as a hybrid athlete with the ability to perform just about anything on the field with success.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • The group is getting ready to perform Broadway show tunes on May 31 at the Library’s Community Room.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which fighters killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped over 250 others.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Administrations in Washington of all political stripes have vowed to address the issue and boost air traffic controller hiring.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Last month, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week handed the designer its 2025 Industry Impact Award, which recognizes significant contributions to the bridal sector.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • After Bregman turned down their four-year, $115 million offer, the Cubs handed the job to Shaw, who had a slower, limited start to spring training due to an oblique injury.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration deported over 200 immigrants to the Central American country in two separate flights after securing a deal with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, which involved paying the nation's government millions of dollars to imprison migrants.
    Billal Rahman Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • On the other hand is what some might consider a fate worse than death, of living imprisoned in a body entirely without choice, without freedom.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on commit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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