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 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 Less than two years ago, Starmer led Labour to its biggest majority in Parliament this century, consigning the Conservatives to their worst-ever defeat. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 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
  • This game, too, was not without controversy, though, as Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review for ‘mistaken identity’.
    The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • To sit still now would send a terrible message to a clubhouse full of pros, all of whom know the score.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • That leaves the amusement park on the border of the Carolinas in Charlotte and Rock Hill without one of its signature attractions at the height of its busy summer season.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Rescuers recovered 11 bodies, mostly women and children, and handed them over to relatives for burial, Faizi said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Women’s World Cup 2019 Two second-half goals handed the United States victory over the Netherlands.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Uthmeier was previously the governor’s chief of staff and was entrusted to run DeSantis’ presidential campaign when his poll numbers were tanking.
    Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • These responsibilities are the reason society entrusts lawyers with responsibilities unlike those of any other profession.
    Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • If someone is affected by heat, immediately transfer them to a cool and shaded area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Because of that, the resolution called on the Legislature to give counties more oversight.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an ​all-South American affair between Argentina​ and Colombia.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • On June 23, an attendant at a gas station in the center of Moscow told CNN that tankers were still arriving and delivering fuel according to schedule.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The unique vow arrangement saw both Swift and Kelce deliver 20-minute speeches celebrating their love and commitment to one another.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The Khosla family will be required to relinquish its ownership stake in the 49ers as part of the deal.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • Around 2021, this collector relinquished 34 objects (including the bronze Buddhas).
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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