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 Louise decided to sell the apartment and consign nearly 40 artworks to Christie’s, including a Mondrian painting that will be the auction house’s most expensive artwork this season, with an estimate around $50 million. Tim F. Schneider, New York Times, 12 May 2025 To avert a drift toward division and conflict in Europe, the Trump administration should not consign Ukraine to Europe’s periphery. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 It was consigned from the collection of Belgian patrons Roger Matthys and Hilda Colle. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 14 May 2025 Considering Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has long been consigned to the bin of irrelevance, there was unmistakable pressure in the air at the Vitality Stadium towards the end of the game against Bournemouth. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Resulting shortages sent automakers worldwide into a tizzy.
    Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • John Ross Bend, Ore. • Letters should be sent with the writer’s name, address, and daytime phone number via e-mail to themail@newyorker.com.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The report said nearly a third of Britain’s 2.4M creative employees experience workplace conflict, resulting in people leaving jobs early or being out of work.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 June 2025
  • Guests are encouraged to leave their small army assistants and handlers behind (though some stash them in nearby hotels).
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • The Pittsburgh Pirates won both games, 2-1 and 5-1. 1963 — Playing the first Sunday night game in major league history because of excessive heat during the day, the Houston Colt .45s handed the San Francisco Giants their seventh straight loss in Houston, 3-0.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Lamar, who is the night’s most nominated act, was handed a slew of additional trophies by host Kevin Hart, though the particulars of the awards were not named.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump has proposed transferring the department's responsibilities to other agencies.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The provision outlines regulatory definitions and sets new rates related to making and transferring silencers.
    Morgan Kromer, The Washington Examiner, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Adding Ángeles Cruz also seemed natural to give Sira a voice.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • The Dodgers have sent Clayton Kershaw to the mound to give a slumping team a lift countless times during his 18-year career.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Iglesias will deliver a career-spanning setlist encompassing both iconic standards and contemporary chart-toppers from his three-decade-plus career.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Health care stakeholders across the spectrum would be well served to support the needs of small business for quality and affordability, and to enable innovative models that deliver better options going forward.
    Dan Mendelson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • In addition there are concerns about relinquishing control of monetary policy as countries in the euro zone are subject to decisions by the ECB, Tursa added.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
  • The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog argued that the bill would relinquish state control of California’s famously ambitious clean energy policies.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Be Proactive Employees at every level will need to get comfortable delegating routine tasks to AI—and some will be more receptive than others.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • May is the time to invest wisely, delegate responsibly, and set the foundations of your kingdom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!