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 Roughly a month after Nelson committed, Hamdan left to take the offensive coordinator job at Kentucky. Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 The yacht builder appears committed to exploring quieter, more purposeful luxury over grandeur and traditional measures of scale. Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 On that day, Islamist terrorists committed the worst savagery against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 Our department is committed to a thorough and impartial review. Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • In the clip, the pair execute the moves to the song’s post-chorus, before a bonnet-wearing Colbert pretends to choke on something, causing Gaga to erupt in laughter.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The current owners tapped architect Chip Bohl and interior designer Louise Copeland to execute a complete interior renovation and construct the north wing.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His widow, Erika Kirk, pledged Friday to continue his work, including his campus tours and podcast.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Ellison pledged to give away 95% of his wealth to advance scientific research and solve complex problems related to health and aging.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Much of central Saskatchewan received less than half an inch of rainfall in April and May, leaving many wetlands dry.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ranzy had a first appearance on the charges Tuesday and remained jailed in lieu of $750,000 bail, which was requested by prosecutors.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gladney remains jailed in Contra Costa, and is set to be sentenced in November, court records show.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is when your liver is so scarred up that there’s barely enough normal tissue to perform the routine functions of the liver.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Scientists performed dental exams and took blood samples — participants also filled out dietary questionnaires.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Memorials have been held in Washington, Arizona, and Utah, with Kirk's widow vowing to continue his work.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Students for Fair Admissions, led by Edward Blum, a leading opponent of affirmative action, set up a website this month vowing to challenge Kamehameha’s admissions policy in court.
    Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The associate handed each worker a stack of cash.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Glasses of Ace of Spade Champagne were being passed out, and groups were being directed to floors based on the bracelets they were handed upon arrival — moon, sun, star and diamond.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Arafat’s successor, current PA President Mahmoud Abbas, has banished and imprisoned opponents and critics.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Lula was imprisoned in 2018, but he was released in November 2019 after the Supreme Court ruled that defendants can’t be jailed before exhausting appeal options.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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