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 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 Following Allington’s death, his cars, including the Ferrari, were consigned to a Christie’s auction in December of 2002. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 June 2026 That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Miller said his dad used to sit in his firehouse, clipping newspaper stories on dark matter and black holes to send to his son.
    Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Grocery store quality produce is sent to Fresh Food Partner corner stores, convenience shops and other local stores, in the Kansas City metropolitan area, for people to purchase.
    Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The ruling leaves the DOJ with a losing record in district court cases seeking such data, in addition to an earlier appellate loss.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • In that case, Canada lost six points, while their coach, Bev Priestman, along with analyst Joseph Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander, were handed a one-year ban from football by FIFA.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Gacic handed the officer a plastic bag containing a schoolmaster snapper and two lobster, according to the report.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • It was enabled by those most entrusted to prevent it, acting in the belief that the cause required continuity.
    Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • But a new watchdog memo raises serious questions about whether the private contractors entrusted with that work are adequately protecting taxpayer information.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Another person later died after being transferred to a local hospital, officials said during a press conference.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Thomas County Central quarterback Aidan McPherson’s successful appeal for eligibility after his transfer from Rome was big news this week, but McPherson is hardly the only big-name player who has transferred this offseason.
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Valkyrie is not quite open for business, but Eveland and her business partner — Valkyrie technical director Desmond Browning — gave a Statesman reporter and photographer a tour of the facility and a preview of the training that will be offered.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
  • In the hours after James’ decision was announced, Philadelphia’s odds of winning the NBA title surged from 20-1 to 10-1, giving the 76ers the fourth-best odds behind the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • But their ability to deliver useful results depends on the quality, accessibility and governance of the data behind them.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • When right-hander Eury Pérez delivered seven perfect innings against the Athletics earlier this month, Bachar also nearly let the game slip away, allowing five runs without recording an out in the eighth.
    Tyler M. Carmona July 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Going down the cap-room road, however, would require Atlanta to relinquish Dort, CJ McCollum and Jock Landale after the season.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • In 2021, the unnamed collector who bought them voluntarily relinquished for repatriation nearly three dozen Cambodian and Southeast Asian antiquities purchased from Latchford between 2003 and 2007.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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