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 Consider the refugees consigned by the United States to Latin America, by the European Union to Turkey and Pakistan, or by Australia to the island of Nauru. Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 And that would consign Americans and foreigners alike to undue suffering. Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The friend sent money to Kouri Richins as down payments on a mortgage, but Kouri Richins used the money to pay other debts.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • He’s expected to appear at the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a change of plea hearing, according to the letter sent to the families.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Commission leader Thomas Bullitt later left Kentucky and did not return.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2025
  • Only three of the top seven players in the world are left in the draw.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • After her first two England camps in charge in September 2021, Wiegman — in the absence of former England captain Steph Houghton — handed Williamson the armband.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • Ramsey handed the check to 12-year-old Finn Cropp and shook hands and took photos with the kids afterward.
    Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • Use tongs or a large spoon to transfer a few pieces of the boozy fruit into each cup.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Leo season gives us a chance to self-prioritize, stand out, and find our inner shine again.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Westerdam is comfortably sized, with 958 cabins, giving guests plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Original price: $79.99 This vertical floor fan delivers powerful wind velocity for fast cooling across a wide area.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Night one of the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture’s Evening Concert series at the Caesars Superdome delivered a dynamic mix of legends and rising stars, reminding festival-goers why these concerts remain the weekend’s crown jewel.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • While Israel wants to eradicate Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, the group has shown little willingness to relinquish its political and military power in Gaza.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
  • The judge in Jackson's case has ordered Burgin to relinquish any firearms in his possession, including firearm parts and ammunition, within 24 hours of receiving the restraining order.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The responsibility of drafting specific regulations and implementing the reporting standards was delegated to the California Air Resources Board.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Thankfully, Mother was also not a fan of dogs, having been chased one too many times on her postal routes with the Royal Mail, when she wasn’t delegated to the sorting offices.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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