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 Hui, Evergrande’s founder, was detained in China in September 2023 on suspicion of committing crimes, adding to the company’s woes. CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025 We are committed to getting all of the facts and to holding anybody who violated the law accountable. Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Aug. 2025 Hooper now 54, was convicted by a jury at trial in 1998 of premeditated murder, felony murder while committing burglary and felony murder while committing kidnapping in connection with the death of Ann Prazniak, 77. Jack Dura The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2025 The eight suspects range in age from 17 to 40, and the charges include rioting, committing an affray, trespassing and disorderly conduct. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Florida is set to execute a death row inmate for the kidnapping and stabbing death of a young woman who was attacked at work more than four decades ago.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Alabama has executed three people, while Oklahoma and Tennessee have carried out two each.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Active-duty military, their spouse or dependents covered by the Military Lending Act (MLA) may not pledge any vehicle as collateral.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
  • On the defensive line, Tulsa pledge Carson Dempsey leads a very talented unit that also includes senior Cooper Cyphers, junior Tymon Meeks and senior Decker Sanders.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sunglasses and water bottles were strung out around campus during the chaos, leaving a crowded, makeshift lost and found table.
    Shane Brennan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Detroit doesn’t need recycled ideas or the same politics that have left too many neighborhoods behind.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Those found guilty of criticizing, insulting, defaming or threatening the king, queen, or heir apparent can be jailed for between three and 15 years for each count, with some sentences stretching to 50 years.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The semi-truck driver who caused a crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed three South Floridians was jailed in California days after the crash, officials confirmed Tuesday.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • When culture starts performing alignment instead of living it, most companies reach for fixes: tighter messaging, new values, more playbooks.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The piece was to be performed at a church near McVeigh's execution site in Terre Haute, Indiana, then recorded and played on the radio so that McVeigh would have a chance to hear it.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Trump vowed to pay for the ballroom with private funds — which means, of course, that someone else will curry favor and pay.
    Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Reversing the migration trend During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to reverse the trend.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling reptiles, and change clothes before picking up a child.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The non-profit news outlet The City reported the encounter late Wednesday, Aug. 20, a few hours after Winnie Greco allegedly handed an open bag of Herr's sour cream and onion rippled potato chips to journalist Katie Honan following a Harlem campaign event.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For more than 20 years, Lyle and Erik were imprisoned separately, with Lyle in Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, Calif., and Erik about 500 miles away at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego County.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • First, his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was imprisoned for stealing nearly $17 million from the Japanese star to pay off gambling debts.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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