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 Owen is also undeniable here, turning in maybe the most memorable performance of a bank robber ever committed to film. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 What Sorsby did was commit insider trading, which is against the rules. Mac Engel june 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026 Patients who commit meaningfully to multiple lifestyle changes can sometimes drop their systolic blood pressure by 10 to 15 points. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 Nussmeier, a lefty from Texas, recently committed to UGA. Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Since then, the state has executed six other inmates with the method, and Louisiana has used it once.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • The compromise packages executed a 28 KB payload that steals credentials from AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, password managers, and over 90 developer tool configurations.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • With Mateen pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, the FBI got involved.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
  • Democrats have pledged to vote against any short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — a major national security tool — following Pulte’s appointment.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Several students testified that Anthony was repeatedly asked to leave the Memorial High School tent before the confrontation escalated.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
  • That would leave the US emergency oil reserve with the least amount of oil since the early 1980s, when the economy was smaller and consumed less energy.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • And in fact, that scientist was arrested and his lab was closed and he was jailed for a few years.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
  • The three-judge panel at the Jakarta Military Court sentenced Sudarko to three years in prison, Cahyono to two and a half years, while Prasetya and Lakka were jailed for 2 years and 18 months respectively.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • This change was partly accomplished by the creation of the Access Artist Advisory Board, which was dedicated to making things more accessible — physically and emotionally, but also financially.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • So what’s Aiyuk accomplishing by bashing the 49ers repeatedly on social media?
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Confluence Hydro, the company set to buy the dams along with tens of thousands of surrounding acres, has vowed to modernize and relicense them to generate energy for decades to come.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Numerous Democratic lawmakers have vowed to investigate matters relating to Paramount and Trump if their party prevails in the midterm elections.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Japan’s legal system has also been criticized for handing prosecutors too much power.
    Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • This time, Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer handed a four-run lead to Edgardo Henriquez in the eighth inning.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Rob-Will seems imprisoned in a crucible of masculinity.
    William Earl, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • Audriana had a particularly difficult time when her father was imprisoned and later deported to Italy.
    Jamie Ballard, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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