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 Consider the refugees consigned by the United States to Latin America, by the European Union to Turkey and Pakistan, or by Australia to the island of Nauru. Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 And that would consign Americans and foreigners alike to undue suffering. Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Louise decided to sell the apartment and consign nearly 40 artworks to Christie’s, including a Mondrian painting that will be the auction house’s most expensive artwork this season, with an estimate around $50 million. Tim F. Schneider, New York Times, 12 May 2025 To avert a drift toward division and conflict in Europe, the Trump administration should not consign Ukraine to Europe’s periphery. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The friend sent money to Kouri Richins as down payments on a mortgage, but Kouri Richins used the money to pay other debts.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • He’s expected to appear at the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a change of plea hearing, according to the letter sent to the families.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Schmidt left Thursday’s game after three innings and 55 pitches.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Exiting at nearly 3:40 a.m., Hill left the crowd inspired and electrified.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • After her first two England camps in charge in September 2021, Wiegman — in the absence of former England captain Steph Houghton — handed Williamson the armband.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • One day in his office, he was handed five new lawsuits.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Osorio-Piedra will now be held without bond in the Detention Center until he can be transferred to the state Department of Corrections.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • Doyle started his college career at Coastal Carolina before transferring to Mississippi for his sophomore year and then on to Tennessee.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The result gives your look an effortless dose of cool when tucked into anything from black jeans to colorful wide-leg trousers.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Westerdam is comfortably sized, with 958 cabins, giving guests plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Original price: $79.99 This vertical floor fan delivers powerful wind velocity for fast cooling across a wide area.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Starting July 11, Newsweek Sports Betting Editor Tyler Everett will deliver his weekly takes on what to bet on during the upcoming weekend -- and why -- ➡️ to your inbox every Friday.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • While Israel wants to eradicate Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, the group has shown little willingness to relinquish its political and military power in Gaza.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
  • Lesson 4: Less data, better decisions Without her phone, my wife had to relinquish her customary role as the navigator.
    JJ Rosen, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Designers must create interaction models that allow people to delegate tasks, supervise actions or take over when needed.
    Antara Dave, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • When results and relationships had settled, Robson was able to delegate.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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