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 After Trump signed the final legislation on Friday afternoon, the hedge-fund and private-equity managers could return to their July 4th pool parties and fireworks displays secure in the knowledge that yet another Administration had failed to consign this lamentable loophole to history. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 July 2025 The movie is too relevant to be consigned to a time capsule. Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 Production of the street-legal iteration yielded 1,350 examples, and the one set to cross the auction block through Broad Arrow—consigned by the original owner—was specified for Italy and is pristine, with only 33 miles on it (at the time of cataloging). Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025 What the world needs now, many Burt Bacharach fans can agree, is for that deep catalog of songs to not be consigned to history. Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • After the July vote, O'Connell's office sent a follow-up letter confirming its position, which Dilger said prompted ethics commission members to begin preparing for a lawsuit.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 31 Aug. 2025
  • However, there are aliens sent to Earth to locate Stitch — as well as human authorities — each of which threatens to break up furry dynamo and his newfound family.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In The History of Sound, Mescal plays Lionel Worthing, a talented singer from rural Kentucky who leaves his family farm to attend the Boston Music Conservatory.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Physicians are handed big titles and even bigger responsibilities, but rarely the training or tools to lead well, especially as the pressures and stakes continue to rise.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, this was arguably the moment when the torch of greatness was handed from one American golf star to the next.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Horses transferred to other trainers ― most notably more than a dozen 2-year-olds to Steve Asmussen.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Top players transferring to top programs has been a growing trend over the past decade, and that will only increase with the TSSAA one-time transfer rule.
    Cecil Joyce, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to that, a membership gives you access to Prime Video, with unlimited streaming and original programming.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Get the Expert Picks For players looking for an edge in the Pacific Classic, Racing Dudes’ 2025 Pacific Classic Betting Bible delivers race-by-race analysis, key plays, and expert selections.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • This all-star lineup will deliver a polished, classy set that will leave festivalgoers on a high note.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • After Israel’s total aid blockade began in March, Gazans began staging anti-Hamas protests in the northern part of the strip, calling for the immediate entry of aid and for Hamas to relinquish power.
    Leila Seurat, Foreign Affairs, 26 Aug. 2025
  • More importantly they were shocked and saddened to hear what was happening, so intervened quickly, speaking to staff on the phone to confirm their desire to relinquish ownership of Mochi.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Priest points out a scenario where tasks are delegated between agents that specialize in areas, such as human resources, compliance and finance.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Constitution grants Congress the power to levy taxes, including tariffs, though over time lawmakers have delegated significant trade authority to the president.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!