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 Less than two years ago, British Prime Minister Starmer led his Labour party to its biggest majority in Parliament this century, consigning the Conservatives to their worst-ever defeat. Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Like the police report in Sebold’s assault, those cases had also been quickly consigned to the inactive file. ProPublica, 14 July 2026 According to New York investigators, the vase was smuggled out of Italy by Fritz Burki and consigned for sale at Christie’s London before entering the museum’s collection. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The nation is already nearing last year’s record case total, and experts say the virus is forcing doctors to relearn a disease many thought had been consigned to history. Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • And periodic ceasefires during the war sent global oil prices lower – only to rise again whenever those agreements have lapsed or run out.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Now jurors will be given a stark choice — agree with prosecutors and convict Lopez of first degree murder, likely sending him to prison for 50 years to life.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • First, the power goes out, leaving Bret wandering the halls as lights flicker around him.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Top Gear has not been on air since 2022, but a return was always likely, given the BBC Studios franchise is too big to leave in the garage.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, Pitarch has been handed an improved contract and is now considered a first-team player, despite retaining a Castilla squad number.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Days after the government reopened, the department signed agreements handing billions in grant programs to other federal agencies.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The two companies entrusted perfumers Marie Salamagne and Fabrice Pellegrin to create the juice.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Santos became a constant starter, bolstering his box-crashing reputation with 10 league goals in 2024-25, and then-manager Liam Rosenior entrusted him with the captaincy on occasion.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In true Richards’ fashion, of course, Kyle transfers her distress into throwing yet another one of her overwrought white parties, whose guest list is filled with a caravan of beloved names in the Bravo-verse.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Daniels later pleaded guilty to assault and was shipped off to prison, but shortly before he was released in early 2018, he was transferred to Queensboro Correctional Facility in Long Island City and signed up for a prison college course.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wrangle the camera crew, line up the weirdly uninspiring but nonetheless eye-wateringly expensive homes, and for the love of God, somebody give the British TV presenting duo Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp a ring.
    Lauren O’Neill, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The ministry also said that its forces overnight continued to strike Ukrainian ports and vessels delivering cargo for the armed forces.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • L’Agence’s offering always delivers head-turning pieces, grounded by crisp shirting that never misses.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Goss voluntarily relinquished his Missouri law license and surrendered his right to practice law in Kansas.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • During her tenure, Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished their titles; Voigt had accused Rose of a toxic workplace culture.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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