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 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 Today, while a new generation of supersonic transports is under development, civilian aviation is consigned to speeds below that of sound, though some business jets can go over Mach 9-and-a-bit. New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2025 What persists is a quiet, bitter awareness of lives long ago consigned to suffering and despair. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The appeals court sent the case back to the lower court to amend the 2024 ruling.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In 2023, Alekseyev was sent by the Russian military to negotiate with Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private mercenary group, during the Wagner group’s mutiny.
    Anna Chernova, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In France, 60% of respondents said their government’s policies will leave future generations worse off, as did 53% in the United Kingdom and 51% in Germany.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Payne fled after the shooting, leaving his children behind.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Thompson has handed them a blueprint to follow.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • After a year-long bake off, parks chief Josh D’Amaro was named Bob Iger’s successor at Disney, while TV boss Dana Walden was handed a new, improved role (Nellie’s piece on the American media glass ceiling remaining intact is well worth a read).
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Zoe was touched that Hannah entrusted her with such precious pieces—especially something as personal as her mom’s wedding dress.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Her status as a billionaire entrusted with spending down a billionaire’s fortune, and now a victorious Super Bowl winner eyeing a near-immediate exit from the field, makes her one of the most unusual figures in American sports.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her mother had been transferred from the federal building in Minneapolis to a controversial Texas detention facility 1,400 miles away, according to John Hayden, an attorney who within days secured a federal court order demanding her return to Minnesota.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The previous month, Level Up transferred $150,000 to Illinois Future PAC, which is currently funding pro-Stratton TV ads.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Ishii said the council is focused on filling the five Police Accountability Board vacancies and finding Aguilar’s replacement, finalizing the board’s regulations, giving both oversight entities the necessary tools to succeed and restoring belief in the oversight process.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • McVay said the team would give the players time to digest the season and decide what might be next.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Keys delivered a flurry of winners to steal that set in a tiebreak, before pulling away.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, Musk is known for delivering bold statements and shifting timelines.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The manager of Kennesaw’s controversial Civil War shop has agreed to relinquish the downtown store and several other properties that were subject to a lengthy fight over the late owner’s estate.
    Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Angell relinquished not only his role as chair, but as a board member entirely.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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