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
  • The county’s share of liquor revenue dropped by several hundred thousand dollars, Tripple said, part of a plan executed at the end of the session to divert liquor revenue to state police to make up for straggling wages.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026
  • For a wedding with 250 guests at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale, at least four kitchen team members work 70 to 80 hours to prepare and execute the event.
    Ani Duzdabanyan, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Scott first pledged to give away the majority of her wealth in 2019 after her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
    Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Since the campaign trail, Higgins has pledged to replace Art Noriega, the current city manager.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • But even with a magnificent performance from an inspired goalkeeper, there’s no way that this result should have happened, even with Luis de la Fuente’s decision to leave Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the bench.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • By leaving the floor immediately, Wembanyama gave critics an easy target and allowed the story to become about his temperament rather than the Knicks' championship celebration.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The Department of Justice asked the court to re-jail a man who was pardoned on charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot but convicted of other offenses, as he is now accused of roaming Representative Jamie Raskin’s neighborhood, according to a Politico reporter.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
  • In the meantime, Vista Superior Court Judge Valerie Summers ordered Turner to remain jailed without bail.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
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
  • But because removal is so profound, the hurdles to accomplish it are significant.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • When Doug Herbert’s teenage sons died in a car crash, the multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion vowed to make sure other families never face the same heartbreak.
    AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 11 Dec. 2025
  • There is not yet a clear path to peace as Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to continue to fight and Cambodia's powerful Senate President Hun Sen promised a fierce response.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The Philadelphia Board of Education will vote on a resolution that would give the district the green light to hand the properties over to the city for plans to potentially turn them into affordable housing units.
    Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
  • If a case involves a state crime, agents must hand the person over to local or state police.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Assistant District Attorney Desmond McCallum told a judge that cellphone evidence suggested Dominique had been imprisoned in a bathroom and dog crate for months or years — bound with black tape and struck with a white belt.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • Doctors worried they could be arrested and imprisoned for providing legal and widely recognized treatment to pediatric patients.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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