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

Examples 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 Everything before 1973 is consigned to the mists of prehistory. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 But neither country desires to cut ties with the West or consign itself to an anti-Western bloc. Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2024 As the company fell apart, Hollinger consigned the collection to Christie’s. Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 India's burgeoning economy continues to be overwhelmingly powered by fossil fuels including coal, but that dominance will be consigned to the history books by end of this decade, according to the country's central bank. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consign 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The new ride will send thrill-seekers down a three-story first drop, then propel them uphill through an identical side-by-side race course of enclosed and open tubes and 180-degree high-bank turns before hitting a final straightaway drop to the finish line pool below.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Indeed, the notion remains strong that Ukraine’s acquiescence to Russia on the territorial issue would send a devastating signal around the world that force prevails over the rule of law.
    Howard LaFranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The schedule proposed by the defense would have left little or no room to potentially hold a sentencing before Trump's term begins.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • That has left mid-sized TV operators in India looking to find new ways of expanding their scale.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The estate hands the vast bulk of its profits over to the UK government each year.
    Anna Cooban, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The machine was handed to her without any instructions on troubleshooting comfort issues.
    Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Another user agreed, likening the phenomenon to temporary tattoos and explaining that moisture likely caused the ink on the bag to transfer to the breadstick before it was baked.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Russia has also been transferring weaponry and personnel away from Syria, directing some of those resources instead to the war in Ukraine.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Every rejection gives you data to strengthen future applications.
    Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • The Mystic Dog Rainbow Heart Tarot Deck If their affinity for astrology goes hand-in-hand with an interest in tarot cards, give them this vibrant deck.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • In a luxury setting, AI can act as a tool to empower staff to deliver even more personalized and attentive service or to remove the friction where humans often make mistakes.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Agustín Arteaga, who has led the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) since 2016, will relinquish the role of director there on December 31.
    News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Gang plays Cheon-young, a commoner who is enslaved but never relinquishes his dignity.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The best thing to do is to try to find a way to juggle it all, and some of you may even need to delegate to others to make sure everything is handled in time.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Having strong management abilities as a doctor means knowing how to delegate, optimize team performance, and manage resources effectively, all while ensuring high-quality patient care.
    Arush Chandna, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near consign

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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