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 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 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
  • The couple appeared to end the getaway on a positive note after Alli, encouraged by the other women, sent Jesse a flirtatious text while out for the evening.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Without any prompting, the server offered to prepare a plate of food to send to the room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The group of females – Xena, Gemini, Skyla, Meeka, Eve, Neva and Calypso – was the second to leave Marineland, and marked the largest beluga transfer ever completed in the United States.
    Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike the Tribune, none of the outlets Welch spoke with had interviewed the harassment victims, leaving Welch to present a largely one-sided account.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly and Kevin Alcántara each hit two-run home runs, and the Chicago Cubs handed the Los Angeles Dodgers their fourth consecutive loss with a 10-5 victory Monday night at Wrigley Field.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • From being handed important communication roles on defense to being moved around as a chess piece in multiple defensive spots, Downs has answered each challenge the coaching staff has handed him.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 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
  • If this happens, the demand in launch capacity transferring from SpaceX might lead to more opportunities for companies such as Rocket Lab and RFA One, assuming more rockets are ready in time.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Williams, a senior, was an all-conference point guard for Arizona and Iowa State before transferring to LSU this spring.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nicolás Fernández scored on a penalty kick in the 9th minute to give NYCFC (7-6-5) an early lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Wearing bold, high-quality, or timeless pieces is best to give you that boost in confidence this August.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Upon being asked to bend the knee, Aegon delivers a fiery speech asserting his magnificence.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Public firms that most fully internalized MSV—treating the current stock price as the master metric and stakeholders as constraints—often delivered mediocre long-term results and were disciplined by the market itself.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Giudice survived prison, divorce and years of family warfare without relinquishing her place at the center of New Jersey.
    Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The central distinguishing feature of the Saudi model is its refusal to relinquish sensitive components of the nuclear fuel cycle—above all, uranium enrichment—to multinational ownership or control.
    Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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