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 Meanwhile, hyperscalers have been committing hundreds of billions of dollars a year on capital expenditures to build out AI infrastructure as quickly as possible. Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 July 2026 The city government has committed to making the change through its forthcoming tax regulations, meaning further legislative and administrative steps are still required. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 In 2023, Ian was convicted of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury and obstruction of justice for orchestrating the scheme that led to Hadley’s wrongful imprisonment. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 The franchise has also committed more than $600 million to Bregman, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who are all signed through at least 2029, and some of those deals run into 2032. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Surpass the second apron, and a team loses its ability to execute most types of trades and most kinds of free-agent signings.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Tech giant OpenAI is pledging $71 million to Georgia college students, in the form of $100 one-time credits students can use on one of their AI tech platforms.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • If elected, Stacy Lake has pledged to create a countywide public transit system separate from the KCATA, based on a rapid bus line linking far eastern Jackson County to the heart of Kansas City.
    Ilana Arougheti July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The ruling leaves the DOJ with a losing record in district court cases seeking such data, in addition to an earlier appellate loss.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The judge is accused of improperly threatening to jail the DA and two other county prosecutors.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • Porter County Sheriff's Office records show Dolnics remained jailed without bond on July 29.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • As the defense adjusts to its new look at the offense looks to remain consistent after a stellar 2025 season, the goal will be to carry over what the team accomplished as a unit in the offseason program.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • On the cusp of accomplishing it for the first time, they were dismissed like a steward holding a gravy boat.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • But getting there would first mean crossing Blair Mountain in neighboring Logan county, whose sheriff, Don Chafin, had vowed to block any union advance into his county.
    Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • All five of the Democratic candidates for governor this year have vowed to repeal the law if elected.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • In that case, Canada lost six points, while their coach, Bev Priestman, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were handed a one-year ban from football by FIFA.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Gacic handed the officer a plastic bag containing a schoolmaster snapper and two lobster, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • But years later, some of the highest-flying professional clubs have folded due to financial mismanagement, and dozens of soccer officials have been banned or imprisoned, and numerous teams ensnared in an anti-graft campaign.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Many prominent opposition leaders have been imprisoned, forced into exile or stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship, while opposition parties and independent civic organizations have lost their legal status.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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