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 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 Few estates have consigned major works, and according to market watchers, many private sellers are opting to sit out. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025 However, these attempts are futile, and such baseless rumors will ultimately be consigned to the dustbin of history. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Putting your priorities there may consign you to minority status among 2025’s wider bloc of pop fans. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • As the day goes on, an AI assistant might manage your to-do list and send you reminders to take a break now and then.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The Trump Administration has already sent migrants from a number of countries to Panama and Costa Rica, and has reportedly sought deportation arrangements with countries farther afield, including Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Benin, Eswatini, Mongolia, Kosovo, Moldova, and Ukraine.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The aspirational numbers are dazzling but many details are undefined, with much left to be decided down the road in a world fraught with geopolitical and economic impediments.
    David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • What's left is rosemary, a spice that many, many people already have in their kitchen, or maybe even growing like an angry weed in their backyard.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Why did Haaland hand the ball over to Omar Marmoush?
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Clean energy investment was worth $2.1 trillion in 2024, and while America’s clean energy economy has boomed since 2022, ceding this economic opportunity by killing off a fast-growing industry will hand that investment and jobs growth to competitors like China and the European Union.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 18 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 second half was much quieter and gave me space to seek out more personal, intimate stories.
    Emily Bogle, NPR, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The new concoction was to be delivered via twice-monthly infusions — though each treatment would take longer, pushing the medicine into Elissa’s body for eight or nine hours at a time.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • With an acoustic guitar player providing live music and a few people delivering positive affirmations during her attempt, Noone locked in the record with a time of 25 minutes and 11.3 seconds.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • In the end, Piastri was forced to relinquish second place too as his teammate Lando Norris swept past him on newer, faster tires once all the cars had bunched up at the end of the race behind the safety car.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
  • There are any number of reasons why owners may choose to relinquish a pet.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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 31 May. 2025.

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