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 Threats Are Outpacing Change In The Merchant Marine Complex and wide-ranging assaults on cargo vessels are consigned virtually every peacetime cargo-carrier’s operational assumptions into a messy obsolescence. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Battles between auction houses and marketplaces for customers to consign valuable sports trading cards occur on a daily basis, with each company making sales pitches as to why someone would receive the most money in selling through them. — Larry Holder, New York Times, 31 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Brad Conley of Rogers has been sending us photos of bucks with impressive racks frolicking in front of my favorite stand.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The war has severely restricted energy shipments out of the Middle East, sending oil prices soaring and raising concerns about accelerating inflation globally.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Notably, the bill allows members to keep their current portfolio and leaves officials in the executive branch untouched.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The nation's flood insurance program struggles to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers, leaving millions vulnerable at a time when climate change is driving flood risk higher.
    — MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • You are allowed to consider criticism without handing it editorial control.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Frazier, who had become world champion during Ali’s absence, handed the ring-rusty Ali the first loss of his professional career.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Institutions ensure that responsibility survives the individuals entrusted with it.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The board is entrusted with the educational, physical and financial well-being of the district.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In May, ownership of the stadium was transferred to a for-profit wholly owned by the university called Ryan Field Foundation LLC.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • An employee at the Mallard Pointe store in University City told CharlotteFive that its workers will likely be transferred to other locations but couldn’t offer specifics on where.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That behavior gives engineers a way to control how a material stores and releases electrical energy.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Most of those steps have been blocked by various courts, in part because the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to set election rules, but provides no such power to the president.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • With a luxe crocodile-embossed suede upper and a slight heel that adds just enough height without weighing you down, these loafers deliver a high-end look—despite being considered orthopedic.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
  • First, a 48-speaker spatial sound system surrounds the audience and delivers a more immersive listening experience.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • One panel was falling, then smashing on the path, lead relinquishing its long grip on the glass.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 2 Oct. 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