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 Louise decided to sell the apartment and consign nearly 40 artworks to Christie’s, including a Mondrian painting that will be the auction house’s most expensive artwork this season, with an estimate around $50 million. Tim F. Schneider, New York Times, 12 May 2025 To avert a drift toward division and conflict in Europe, the Trump administration should not consign Ukraine to Europe’s periphery. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 It was consigned from the collection of Belgian patrons Roger Matthys and Hilda Colle. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 14 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The crackdown was quickly followed by the unrequested deployment of National Guard troops to L.A., marking one of the first times in modern history that the Guard was sent to a state without the governor’s approval.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 9 June 2025
  • John Ross Bend, Ore. • Letters should be sent with the writer’s name, address, and daytime phone number via e-mail to themail@newyorker.com.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Merge’s co-founder and co-president Laura Ballance, also bass player in Superchunk, is leaving the music business.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Major League Baseball, with no robust salary cap, sees powerhouse franchises like the Yankees and Dodgers dominate year after year, leaving smaller teams struggling for relevance.
    Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • The Pittsburgh Pirates won both games, 2-1 and 5-1. 1963 — Playing the first Sunday night game in major league history because of excessive heat during the day, the Houston Colt .45s handed the San Francisco Giants their seventh straight loss in Houston, 3-0.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Lamar, who is the night’s most nominated act, was handed a slew of additional trophies by host Kevin Hart, though the particulars of the awards were not named.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will decide where to transfer the 13 sea turtles — potential new locations include Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and Zoo Miami.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
  • In a strategic move, President Donald Trump has ordered that Greenland be transferred from the U.S. European Command to the U.S. Northern Command, tightening America’s grip on Arctic defense at a time of escalating global conflict.
    Jasmine Baehr , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Adding Ángeles Cruz also seemed natural to give Sira a voice.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • This might look like suggesting a loose menu or theme ahead of time to give your guests some direction on what to bring, setting the table, and perhaps taking care of the main dish or drinks.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Iglesias will deliver a career-spanning setlist encompassing both iconic standards and contemporary chart-toppers from his three-decade-plus career.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Some people think forceps by doctors delivering babies in the ‘50s caused brain damage in infants.
    Time, Time, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • In addition there are concerns about relinquishing control of monetary policy as countries in the euro zone are subject to decisions by the ECB, Tursa added.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
  • The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog argued that the bill would relinquish state control of California’s famously ambitious clean energy policies.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Ideally, such a process would be facilitated by the United Nations—given its experience in peacemaking—and the African Union, the regional body to which the UN wants to delegate peacekeeping operations.
    Joshua Z. Walker, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
  • The difference between struggling and thriving is knowing what to delegate to the machines.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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