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 Timing and fate would crown some of the climbers with success and consign others to the coldest of graves. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026 For instance, Disney Plus has developed companion podcasts for Only Murders in the Building, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Tell Me Lies, and that strategy has the benefit of attaching these podcasts to the actual content instead of consigning it to the walled garden Netflix had created. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Those who despise Bacharach’s fluting tunes and David’s simple — if emotive — lyrics, consigning them to often denigrated genres such as easy listening, elevator music, adult contemporary or luxe pop. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 Rom-coms are largely relegated to streaming, and even more disproportionately consigned to holiday fare. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • How to use the SOS feature Using a satellite to text is not the same experience as sending a normal text message.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Garcia Richard in a letter sent last week called on federal authorities and state prosecutors to ensure a thorough criminal investigation into allegations related to the ranch.
    Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The newest Chinese subs are not believed to be as quiet as US ones, leaving the stealth advantage to the US Navy.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Homan said that immigration operations will continue even as additional agents leave the state.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • No charges were filed against Ramos-Caballero and he was never arrested by the Boise Police Department, who handed him over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents the day of the incident.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The City Council has not voted on the project since handing it off in October 2024 and did not weigh in on the plans before their release.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Once dark and divided into too many small spaces, this Victorian house has benefited from a careful redesign entrusted to the duo at Penrose Tilbury.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
  • As Edison’s football coach, he was entrusted to guide young athletes whose parents bought banned 2 Live Crew records and tapes as teens.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Receiver Mylan Graham transferred from Ohio State to Notre Dame.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • If not for Rice setting the foundation, the 6-foot-7 Betts wouldn’t have transferred from Stanford to become an All-American and raise the ceiling.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The 31-year-old right-hander is being given an opportunity to make the starting rotation, one of a group of what is likely five pitchers vying for what is almost certainly one available spot at the start of the season.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And there are likely more revelations and resignations to come, given the millions of documents spanning many years in the files released.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As with his 2026 organizing committee counterpart Giovanni Malago, Wasserman would be expected to deliver speeches in 2028.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The View From ‘The Paper’ In a statement to Semafor, a spokesperson for The Economist noted that the company had delivered strong results in subscriptions, revenue, and profit, and the organization had grown its subscriber base in 2026.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • McDuffie is highly unlikely to generate the same return that, say, cornerback Sauce Gardner did just three months ago — the Colts relinquished two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange for Gardner.
    Sam McDowell February 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Riley was the head coach and team president for the Heat’s first NBA championship in 2006 before relinquishing those duties to Spoelstra in 2008.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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