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 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 The family members either submitted to the indignities—the false testimony, the obscene bullet fees—or were asked for bribes as high as $7,000 to avoid consigning their relatives to mass graves. Laura Secor, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • So, when Thursday’s term sheet was sent to the Blazers, the team was put off by asks from the city, particularly the $3 million annual fee for a property tax offset and a requirement that the team hires union workers.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • So Iran sent all of that oil toward China, by far its biggest customer before and during the war.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • When the boat leaves the shallow saw grass marshes for a 90-foot-deep natural sinkhole called Gator Lake, get your camera ready.
    Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • Upon hearing this, Emira instantly shuts down, leaves the party, and demands her mic be removed.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 23 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
  • As orphanages closed, more orphans and low-income children were entrusted to the care of foster parents in private homes.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Brady Lum was accused of stealing more than $600,000 from the organization while entrusted with its assets.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Police forcibly transferred a prominent activist to a hospital in New Delhi on Saturday after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike tied to India’s Cockroach Janata Party movement for education reform.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • The school felt he was obligated to honor that deal, which prompted a lawsuit in order that attempted to bar him from transferring.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Newcastle cannot reach the top as quickly as initially hoped post-takeover, given the financial constraints.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • And when given the opportunity, Andrew, 17, enjoys learning about computers, their functioning and how to troubleshoot technical issues.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Bloom also delivered Wilyer Abreu to the Red Sox in a 2022 deadline deal with the Houston Astros for popular catcher Christian Vázquez.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Joanne Goh, founder and president of MIFFest, delivered the welcome address alongside this year’s festival ambassadors, Bront Palarae, Daiyan Trisha and Jack Tan.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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