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 Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United consigned them to a fourth successive loss in all competitions for the first time since Brendan Rodgers’ Anfield reign in November 2014. James Pearce, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Liverpool, England — A year ago, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party won the largest majority in Parliament this century and consigned the Conservatives, Labour’s historic rival, to its worst defeat. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Otherwise, these future soldiers are consigned to another week working off the pounds. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 But a healthy, wholesome chat turns into something else when their tipsy stroll leads them to the home of Ed Little, the man with the power to consign Charlie’s failure to obscurity. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • One of the hottest teams in the league during the first half of the season, the Colts were sent reeling last week by the Steelers.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Leuzinger answered back by scoring the final 28 points in the 34-17 victory in the CIF-SS Division 2 first-round game, sending Crean Lutheran home with its first loss of the season.
    Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here.
    USA TODAY Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Enrollment reached a 30-year low last year at 894 students, leaving more than 200 vacant seats at the school as inflation drives up costs.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Trump came close to victory in the 2020 presidential election but may have contributed to the Republican Party’s defeat in the Georgia Senate runoff election, handing the Democratic Party full control of Washington for the first time since 2011.
    Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Grounds laid for a civil court appeal Before the judge handed the case to the jury Wednesday, the defense argued a statement by one of Zwerner’s attorneys that Parker did not testify in her defense could be seen as prejudicial by the jury.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • His solo debut, Barbarian, made more than $45 million on a budget of less than $5 million, and now Warners was entrusting the actor turned director with a movie costing eight times that.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
  • As Wright’s stature rose, he became entrusted with bigger budgets from major studios.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Gonzalo claims the migrants were beaten upon landing in El Salvador and that the mistreatment continued when they were transferred to Cecot.
    Rocio Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Those skills seemed to have been transferred to Liverpool last season as the squad was handled with care and consideration.
    The Athletic's Liverpool staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Most analysts who spoke with said that the Senate will be a tougher feat for Democrats than the House, although there is still a lot up in the air, given ongoing and potentially upcoming redistricting plans and rules.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Soeren Stache | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Microsoft is giving employees a way to raise concerns about the uses of its technology after controversy emerged over the company's work in the Middle East.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Another Republican, Sen John Cornyn of Texas, had to fly back from Texas to deliver the crucial 60th vote.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025
  • While Kyle Shanahan’s team continues to battle the injury bug, the coach and his staff keep finding ways to win games as backups have assumed vital roles and have delivered.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Though Judge and Simon were legally granted equal custody of their three children upon their split, Judge relinquished custody of Sidney to Simon after their daughter opted to live with him full time.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • According to the Associated Press, US Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell released Ortiz on a $500,000 bond, mandated that the 26-year-old relinquish his passport, and restricted his travel to the local area, among other stipulations.
    David Close, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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