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 Rather than taking possession of the works, the company consigned the collection back to Gupta to sell the works. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026 Denigrating the relationship—deciding, for instance, that the rejecter was evil, dishonest, unworthy of your respect or time— devalues your own history, in effect consigning the whole relationship to the trash bin. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 Valjean’s famous bread-theft-to-feed-his-starving-family here becomes a footchase/fight setpiece before he is caught and consigned to an ever-lengthening prison sentence. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 In a world that promises to be defined by AI, universities that fail to produce graduates who can use it productively will consign themselves to irrelevance. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • These two will squeeze the air between them, sending faster winds at the coast.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This allowed the attackers to display Bing's legitimate domain in the Google advertisement while using Bing's click-tracking redirect to send visitors toward the malicious destination.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One flight last week leaving from al-Qassim airport north of Riyadh to Geneva, sold for €94,000 ($105,000), compared with a price of about €60,000 ($67,000) before the closure of the main airport in Riyadh.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This serving tray combines natural rattan with an elevated floral pattern filled with roses and autumn leaves atop a stainless steel base.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The claw would drop, close on a bear’s head and lift it, then either lose its grip or hand you something else.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Position grades were brutal, with F’s handed to the quarterback, running back and offensive line — Dak Prescott finished 34 of 54 for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and the backfield mustered just 41 rushing yards on 13 carries.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In an increasingly complicated world, those entrusted with power seem less able—or willing—than ever to take on the threats that loom.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For a lot of the people at that desk, this is the first job anyone has entrusted them with.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The 56-year-old was transferred on Friday from FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey to FCI Allenwood, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson confirmed with The Times.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Through its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) programme, the service aims to develop modular systems that can be transferred between different military vehicles to expand air defense capabilities beyond specialized units.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Four turboprop engines power the aircraft, giving it the performance needed for demanding military transport operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is darkly poetic, a tragedy delivered like a nursery rhyme.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement The same technology that is delivering fortunes in Silicon Valley can also deliver help to the least fortunate.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • She was only forced to relinquish the title when she was drafted to the Raw brand.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Moon, meanwhile, is struggling at school but on the precipice of adulthood; as the young woman begins to make her own decisions in life, Yue must relinquish a degree of maternal responsibility.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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