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 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 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 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 For all their speed-to-market and trend obsessions, fashion companies struggle to update the systems and materials that go into their products, meaning churn reigns and improvements are consigned to that oft-uttered utopian destination known as ‘when there’s time’. Brooke Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • After Hernández made it to third on a sacrifice bunt by Tommy Edman, Dalton got the end of his bat on a changeup and sent it up the middle, just out of reach of a diving Julien.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision.
    Lee Ying Shan,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Still others tend the fleet already in orbit, refueling, relocating, and extending the life of satellites, and clearing the debris that crowded orbits leave behind.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • As a result, more producers have chosen to go elsewhere, leaving a quieter landscape for Georgians seeking employment in film and TV.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Bishop Seidenbusch handed him the missions of Northern Minnesota’s entirety in 1888, with an emphasis on Iron Range towns.
    Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
  • Because money is fungible, by paying a candidate’s bills, a party is essentially handing him cash, undermining any limits on contributions.
    Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • This rare, Fancy Deep Blue gem is the largest ever discovered in Botswana, a national treasure entrusted by the government to the French jewelry house.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • He was also assigned to a DA’s office and entrusted with the investigation of murders.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 30 June 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
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Officials advise the public to give bears space and not let pets bother them.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 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
  • Briscoe came out of the pits with the lead with 42 laps to go and never relinquished it despite a strong push from Bell.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026
  • While relinquishing the lead that night, Chapman tied Wilhelm’s record.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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