1
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority
the designated time for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to appoint
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
he has yet to designate his successor as head of the firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to name
to give a name to
he was designated "Air Jordan" by his fans
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 designate
Trump has vowed to destroy the group designated by the United States as a terrorist organization.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
As part of its immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has targeted the Venezuelan gang for months – designating it a foreign terrorist organization in February following an executive order issued on President Donald Trump’s first day in office.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Last February, the State Department designated the gang — alongside six Mexican cartels and the Mara Salvatrucha MS‑13 gang—as a foreign terrorist organization.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The park, which opened in 2012 to encourage more pedestrian foot traffic downtown, has designated spaces for kids and dogs, spots to play board games or host events and also features live music performances.
—Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
As part of its immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has targeted the Venezuelan gang for months – designating it a foreign terrorist organization in February following an executive order issued on President Donald Trump’s first day in office.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
Last February, the State Department designated the gang — alongside six Mexican cartels and the Mara Salvatrucha MS‑13 gang—as a foreign terrorist organization.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The park, which opened in 2012 to encourage more pedestrian foot traffic downtown, has designated spaces for kids and dogs, spots to play board games or host events and also features live music performances.
—Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate
Verb
-
The wide availability of options allows men to choose the approach best suited to their individual needs.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The powerful fan has eight different speeds to choose from. But wait, there’s more.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Benedict left the papacy nine years before his death amid a 2013 resignation, with Francis appointed that same year.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Sense' Lottery Chief Resigns After 'Biggest Theft' in the History of Texas Houston YMCA Cutting Staff After Trump Funding Blow Governor Abbott will be responsible for appointing members of TREO which will also have up to 18 full-time employees.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to the news station, the other driver was a 32-year-old man named Christopher Luke who was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Leah contacted the puppy's family and learned that Milkshake's pup is a 3-year-old girl named Sage.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services had recommended that investors vote against the payouts, expressing concerns about the process used to set the compensation.—
Saeed Azhar and Arasu Kannagi Basil,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
These were much larger and more architecturally complex, and they were positioned in elevated, visible locations that were set away from settlements and pastures.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Lyonne received widespread acclaim for the role, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
And the two chefs have been nominated for a 2025 James Beard Award as Outstanding Restaurateur, which honors chefs and entrepreneurs who demonstrate creativity, integrity and building community.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Congress might also call on President Biden to ban TikTok under the IEEPA.—
Emily Baker-White,
Forbes,
14 Feb. 2023
-
Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.—
Saleen Martin,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
Wells began his college career at Division II Sonoma State and spent one season at Washington State before the Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
PCMag editors select and review products independently.—
StackCommerce Team (Sponsored),
PC Magazine,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The State Department confirmed Anton's role on Thursday, assigning him responsibility for detailing the potential deal, which would include sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Similar to any reward system used to manage behavior, Dr. Egger says parents can cause children to unintentionally assigning a high emotional value to screen time, which leads to dependence.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share