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 Like the police report in Sebold’s assault, those cases had also been quickly consigned to the inactive file. ProPublica, 14 July 2026 According to New York investigators, the vase was smuggled out of Italy by Fritz Burki and consigned for sale at Christie’s London before entering the museum’s collection. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The nation is already nearing last year’s record case total, and experts say the virus is forcing doctors to relearn a disease many thought had been consigned to history. Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 6 July 2026 From virtually the first frames, director Andrew Stanton is preoccupied with illustrating the melancholic condition of toys that have been consigned to the ash heap of history, or, at least, of childhood. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • In May 2025, a huge mass of rock and ice from a glacier thundered down the mountainside in the nearby Loetschental valley, sending plumes of dust skyward and coating with mud nearly all of Blatten, which had been evacuated earlier as a precaution.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For the latest fashion, beauty and luxury insights, as well as exclusive discounts sent straight to your inbox, sign up here for the Vogue Business newsletter.
    Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Students who took the stand described a heated exchange over Anthony’s refusal on a rainy spring day to leave a tent that belonged to Metcalf’s team.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Keep the promise that matters, then leave room for improvisation.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The bold reforms, which Tinubu’s government argues saved the economy and handed the government more money, were cheered by investors but resulted in soaring inflation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • He was handed a wild card to play doubles at Wimbledon this year but lost in the first round.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Consumers are also entrusting AI with consequential financial tasks.
    Nicole Casperson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Schultz, senior vice president of Purdue University, said the institution is in discussions with the government of Kiribati over a potential agreement that would entrust Purdue with custody of the wreckage.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, then transfer to a small bowl.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • After that point, it would likely be transferred to another shelter that is more suitable for pigs outside of Los Angeles.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Arts District is a short rideshare away and gives you all the indie bars and restaurants and vintage shopping.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Karlie Lema’s pressure gave Bay FC (5-10-4) a lead in the sixth minute, but Moriya responded a minute later to tie it and Utah (11-6-3) took the lead in the 22nd minute on Narumi’s shot from outside the box.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Copper responds instantly for precision, while stainless steel delivers durability and versatility across all cooktops – including induction.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Here, the solar panels also provide the energy needed to deliver care after the vehicle stops moving.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There have been small changes to the ownership structures of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the last decade but without control ever being relinquished.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere's dual battle with postpartum depression and addiction influenced her decision to agree to relinquish custody of Kaya to her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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