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 Had he been exposed to a more run-of-the-mill pneumonic plague, symptom onset would have already consigned him to bed. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 Less than two years ago, British Prime Minister Starmer led his Labour party to its biggest majority in Parliament this century, consigning the Conservatives to their worst-ever defeat. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Some in Broadview had been sent to facilities in Texas and Arizona.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Nevertheless, 12 people have been sent back to their countries of origin, according to their lawyers, including four Ethiopians earlier this month.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Additionally the company employs an all-local team of chefs, wilderness guides, and property managers—a commitment that helps address the region’s rural migration crisis, as young people leave their villages to find work in more urban areas.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, some opted to cut their losses, selling their towers at steep losses or leaving their fates to the foreclosure block.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For Gulf governments, even discussing a US military drawdown while attacks spread across the region risks handing Iran a victory and leaving them more exposed.
    — Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Hitting the brakes and handing control to the federal government just insures that China and other adversaries will leave us in the dust.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Women need to be entrusted with the roles, businesses and transformations that create the next generation of CEOs.
    — WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • State attorneys general argued that the Constitution entrusts states, not federal officials, to conduct elections.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This allows fresh dopant molecules to continue transferring electrons and increases the concentration of mobile charges in the semiconductor.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Based on a 1906 German expressionist play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening would transfer to Broadway and win two Tony Awards for Sheik’s original score and orchestrations.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Counsell and Bregman demurred when asked for specifics of who came up with the costumes, instead giving everyone credit for what became a memorable day.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Miami coach Mario Cristobal did not give a prognosis for Brown after the 33-20 victory.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • French President Emanuel Macron delivered a briefing to the candidates running to succeed him so disturbing that even the far-right National Rally’s leaders emerged denouncing Russian hybrid attacks.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In a dignified ceremony, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain and Aurora Deputy Mayor Casey Cuevas delivered the proclamations to Fox Valley Harmonizers president Ralph Ferguson and Aurora Lamplighter Chorus president Lester Grossman.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Underhill ended the discussion by proposing that Diamantis relinquish the Greek passport to the court when it was returned to him.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Some insiders believed that the studio would ultimately relinquish the film and return rights to the movie to its producers.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 25 Sep. 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