Definition of consignnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word consign distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of consign are commit, confide, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

When is it sensible to use commit instead of consign?

While the synonyms commit and consign are close in meaning, 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 could confide be used to replace consign?

While in some cases nearly identical to consign, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

In what contexts can entrust take the place of consign?

The words entrust and consign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

When would relegate be a good substitute for consign?

The synonyms relegate and consign are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 consign Young people are worried that AI may consign them to the unemployment line. — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 From there, Saucedo reasoned Ruth right out of existence, consigning him to the same category as Bigfoot, a figment of the collective unconscious. — Rich Cohen, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026 Rather than taking possession of the works, the company consigned the collection back to Gupta to sell the works. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026 Denigrating the relationship—deciding, for instance, that the rejecter was evil, dishonest, unworthy of your respect or time— devalues your own history, in effect consigning the whole relationship to the trash bin. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • In an email sent to priests of the archdiocese on Saturday afternoon and shared with NPR, Archbishop Ronald Hicks also said the deal had not yet been signed but that an agreement had been reached with plaintiffs and their attorneys.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Union Berlin managed to draw at Augsburg 1-1 after a player from each was sent off in separate incidents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Lombardo declined to participate in an October candidate forum hosted by KUNR Public Radio, leaving Ford to appear alone.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey leaves the home of supporter Pam Carr Hagerman for more campaigning in West Dundee on July 22, 2022.
    — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The central bank's board voted unanimously late Monday to put Ueno Bank into resolution and hand its management to officials charged with assessing its finances and protecting its assets, the regulator said Tuesday.
    — EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The win handed Democrats their 53rd Senate seat, padding what has proved to be a dominant victory across the board.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • To all the incredible endorsers who entrusted me with your name, who took time out of your schedule to come campaign with us.
    — Eric Henderson, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Jets conducted an exhaustive search for their coach and general manager in 2025, and Johnson could entrust Mougey with those decisions this time.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is where the belief that began with one entrepreneur starts transferring to other people.
    — Jerry Bobb, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The records show between July of 2025, when ORR began placing pregnant girls in South Texas, and May of 2026, four of them had to be transferred to other states to receive medical treatment.
    — Mark Betancourt, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Having been given countless opportunities to make their names in history as the conscience of the GOP, the six members of Arkansas' congressional delegation chose for the past decade to instead be Trump sycophants.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
  • With a chance to steal the game, Wyatt was called for holding and the clock ran out, giving Arlington Heights a 27-22 victory Friday at Farrington Field in a thriller.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The gel exhibits strong shear thinning, meaning its viscosity decreases 100 times as the shear rate increases, which is the secret sauce to making rocket and satellite fuel easier to store and deliver to engines.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The South Florida Sun Sentinel says a postal service spokesperson said there were no issues or delays being reported in Broward and Monroe counties, and all mail was being delivered as received.
    — Christie Zizo, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Even after discovering the horrifying consequences of his wish, Bear struggles to relinquish control.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The singer wasn’t home at the time, but others there relinquished the monkey.
    — Alex Heigl, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster