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 While Denmark were consigned to history as one of the great what-ifs, Hummel’s bold kit lives on as a coveted classic, adored by fans and designers alike. Peter Carline, New York Times, 6 July 2025 Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter gives the dynamo the chance to reconnect with her tribe, ensuring that her story and message aren’t consigned to obscurity. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 June 2025 But eventually someone uncovered it and consigned it to a London gallery, from which Wachter arranged the sale to the Saunderses. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 21 May 2025 The personal health record was consigned to the graveyard of overambitious tech dreams. Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • Maintaining Composure New leaders often react impulsively in high-stress moments—snapping in meetings, sending reactive messages or overcorrecting.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • On May 29, her 30th birthday, Rodriguez was one of 107 people sent to Jamaica.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The motion goes on to list what prosecutors allege were things outside her role as a judge, including interrupting an unrelated case in her courtroom and going into a fellow judge's courtroom and telling federal officers to leave the hallway in front of her court.
    John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • When officers arrived, Crowder had left the department store.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Earlier that month, Dobie students, teachers and families learned the district is considering closing their 51-year-old campus or handing it over to a charter operator in the fall as a preemptive measure to stave off severe state sanctions.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • But, where most new arrivals are handed a club scarf or even a football to hold aloft, the 27-year-old was instead clutching the symbol of a very different sport.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • According to Visa and Artemis, over $35 trillion in stablecoins were transferred in the last 12 months, more than Visa and Mastercard combined.
    Kjartan Rist, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • If someone is affected by heat, immediately transfer them to a cool and shaded area.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sullivan's unique blend of contemporary R&B, soul, gospel and reggae influences gave quiet storm, late-night radio vibes, especially as a vibrant orange and red sunset transformed the upbeat evening into a moody night illuminated by smartphone flashlights.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025
  • Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford was expected to miss the first handful of practices with a sore back, but head coach Sean McVay gave an update on Stafford's status on Saturday that likely has Rams fans at least a little concerned.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
Verb
  • Seibert’s sage-but-kooky bird (stunningly costumed by Shelby Newport in a fabulous cloak of multicolored neckties, sort of like a bohemian bagman) delivers both great laughs and deep feeling.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • This one is peachy-pink in color, dry and fresh and delivers a tart red-fruit profile: think currants and pomegranate.
    Lana Bortolot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The program was created in 2010 by the La Jolla Community Foundation and subsequently was relinquished to the oversight of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
  • Expensive, but necessary The Magic went hard after Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies, and had to relinquish a package that included four first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap to get him.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The plan delegates oversight to private corporations, relying on self-policing as a substitute for governance.
    Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
  • May is the time to invest wisely, delegate responsibly, and set the foundations of your kingdom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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