DESIGNATE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

designate

verb

ˈde-zig-ˌnāt

Definition of designate

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

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

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 President Barack Obama designated the Bears Ears National Monument in 2016, after years of lobbying from tribal nations, many of which have deep ancestral and sacred ties to the area. — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 This number designates what number car your model is in that year’s total production run (around 100-350 cars). — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 One internal interpretation of this week’s decision to designate Jameson Taillon for assignment is that the Cubs plan to be aggressive at the trade deadline. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026 On July 7, the IRGC fired on ships defying routes designated by Iran; American airstrikes followed. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for designate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate

Verb

The startup said this reflects a broader vision within the company to improve fashion discovery, regardless of where the customer chooses to shop.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
With 20 colors to choose from, you might be tempted to grab more than one before your next trip.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

The decision by Luz Cázares, the fiscal adviser appointed by the county office, was backed by Gordon and Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team chief Michael Fine.

— Chaewon Chung Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Before Graves was appointed in December 2022, Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin served as interim chief for several months following former Chief Rick Smith’s unexpected retirement.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of appoint

Verb

Steve has traveled around the world digging up dinosaurs and, working with many international colleagues, has named more than 15 new species, including the tyrannosaur 'Pinocchio rex' (Qianzhousaurus) and the raptor Zhenyuanlong.

— Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
Worth said the total restoration cost has not yet been determined but that there are several non-city funding sources available to pay for the restoration, including the sale of historic tax credits, as well as naming rights.

— Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of name

Verb

Getz’s rebuild turned a corner only two seasons after a record-setting 121-loss year in 2024, making the Sox one of the game’s most remarkable comeback stories.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
That interplay of warmth, spice, and richer notes is what gives fall fragrances their unmistakable character, setting them apart from the lighter, brighter scents of spring and summer.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of set

Verb

Both Swayze and Leguizamo were nominated for Golden Globes for their performances, but neither of them won.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
Gosling, who was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his role as Ken, is angling to raise his pay to $20 million.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of nominate

Verb

That positioning explains why GHA selected Plum Guide rather than a mass-market home-sharing platform and Blacklane rather than a larger ride-hailing service.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The deal comes after months of negotiations since SK selected Doosan as the preferred bidder in December.

— Justina Lee,Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

Reserving Gerans for long-range strike missions while assigning lower-priority tasks to the less expensive Gerbera would help preserve Russia's inventory of its more capable drone.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
He will be assigned to the Royals’ Class A affiliate in Columbia.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of assign

Browse Nearby Words

design

designate

designated

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of designate

verb

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