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 Considering Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has long been consigned to the bin of irrelevance, there was unmistakable pressure in the air at the Vitality Stadium towards the end of the game against Bournemouth. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 But if you are consigned to that -- make the most of it. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025 As a prisoner of war, Morris R. Wills faced a gamut of privations—he was left malnourished and consigned to filthy conditions amid the ever-present threat of execution. Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025 Things didn't quite go as the scientists planned, however, resulting in an extremely miffed bunch of people consigned to a life in dingy tunnels. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The Coast Guard sent an airplane and vessel to join the search on Tuesday, May 27.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • The clothing that our ancestors wore sends a message to us today about craftsmanship, community, innovation, and creativity.
    Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Ground crews attacked the right flank of the fire while an air tanker made retardant drops across the head and left flank.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
  • The only two albums left in her catalog yet to be released as a re-recording are Reputation and her debut album.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • During the video, Diggs pulls out a bag containing a pink substance and hands it to one of the women.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • The Bad Boys star previously joked that Murphy handed the responsibility to him.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health then stepped in and transferred the chicks to the First State Animal Center and SPCA.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • But then officials said the baby had been sent to the local civil-affairs office, which had transferred her to an orphanage.
    Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • But there are few substitutes for availability, and no player has given more to Spurs this season than Porro.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The former monk also gave specific advice on how to hone in on what's important in life.
    Melody Chiu, People.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Satellites can now deliver frequent, high-resolution (30 cm) imagery, enhanced with change detection algorithms.
    Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • On the 10th day, Hamas will deliver full details on all remaining hostages, including proof of life, medical status reports, or confirmation of death.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Despite bipartisan and nearly unequivocal support for Gypsum Canyon in the intervening four years, Agran has refused to relinquish his goal of completing a veterans cemetery in Irvine.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
  • Harvard University will relinquish 175-year-old photographs believed to be the earliest taken of enslaved people to a South Carolina museum devoted to African American history as part of a settlement with one of the subjects’ descendants.
    Leah Willingham, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation.
    Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The tasks of the two groups will be delegated to the new commission.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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