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 Reddit/u/Frasnet Slinky could so easily have fallen between the cracks and ended up being consigned to a future stuck waiting in the shelter for a family that never comes. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 Dufrene said that donating or consigning clothing also allows people to dispose of their belongings without feeling like the clothes are going to waste. Molly Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025 After Trump signed the final legislation on Friday afternoon, the hedge-fund and private-equity managers could return to their July 4th pool parties and fireworks displays secure in the knowledge that yet another Administration had failed to consign this lamentable loophole to history. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 July 2025 Production of the street-legal iteration yielded 1,350 examples, and the one set to cross the auction block through Broad Arrow—consigned by the original owner—was specified for Italy and is pristine, with only 33 miles on it (at the time of cataloging). Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Jackson and his family plan to send details of the catch to the International Game Fish Association with the hopes of attaining world records in both the junior record for Atlantic halibut category as well as line class for all fish.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • For the most detailed and accurate soil tests, send your samples to a soil lab.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • He was charged with felony counts of leaving the scene of crash involving death, driving without a license causing death and resisting arrest, the sheriff’s office said.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Investigators said that parties involved in the argument were leaving the indoor amusement park when Reed assaulted an employee, unprovoked, while making his way outside.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But later in the game, the young fan was approached by a Marlins staffer at loanDepot Park, who handed him a gift bag.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • After some back-and-forth, the man took the ball from his son’s glove, handed it over to the woman and shooed her away.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Given the apparent emergency, Tejasvi’s grandfather was prepared to transfer the funds—but her father urged him not to and the grandfather, at the suggestion of his wife, then called the uncle to see if the request was legitimate.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Strategic planning for business owners is based first on strategic thinking, parallel thinking, and transferring natural human applications to our corporate concerns.
    Ken Polk, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to that, a membership gives you access to Prime Video, with unlimited streaming and original programming.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sidefeel Corduroy Wide-leg Pants Corduroy is the epitome of fall fashion, and these flare pants deliver all the cozy, retro vibes without sacrificing comfort.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), the pair must traverse enemy lines to deliver a life-or-death message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), halting an attack that would endanger more than 1,000 men.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In May 2025, Kraft Heinz announced a strategic review aimed at unlocking shareholder value, and Berkshire Hathaway relinquished its board seats, signaling potential structural changes.
    Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shortly after Rose took the helm at the pageant, both Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava relinquished their titles.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Organizations prize leaders who can scale outcomes by delegating effectively, empowering teams, and creating the conditions for collective success.
    Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to include Section 287(g), which gave ICE the authority to delegate specific immigration officer duties to state and local police.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!