Synonyms of designate

designate

verb

ˈde-zig-ˌnāt 

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

• choose
• set
• select
• appoint
• pick
• specify
• name
• arrange
• establish
• assign
• announce
• determine
• adopt
• prefer
• coordinate
• fix
• declare
• advertise
• publish
• pin (down)
• settle
• opt (for)
• orchestrate
• single (out)

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

• appoint
• nominate
• assign
• constitute
• name
• attach
• authorize
• place
• elect
• induct
• choose
• commission
• detail
• create
• delegate
• select
• ordain
• inaugurate
• install
• deputize
• institute
• anoint
• consecrate
• depute
• invest
• make
• crown
• instate
• vote (in)
• enthrone
• draft
• single (out)
• handpick
• destine
• throne

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismiss
• expel
• discharge
• fire
• remove
• displace
• oust
• unseat
• depose
• evict
• eject
• dethrone
• overthrow
• throw out
• unmake
• blackball
• uncrown

3

as in to name

to give a name to

he was designated "Air Jordan" by his fans

Synonyms & Similar Words

• name
• nominate
• call
• label
• dub
• entitle
• term
• denominate
• title
• specify
• christen
• nickname
• style
• baptize
• denote
• stigmatize
• rename
• clepe
• brand
• tag
• relabel
• rechristen
• miscall
• misname
• mistitle
• surname
• code-name

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of designate

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was designated by the president to ensure that military votes are counted in the upcoming election. — Tara Copp, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Treasury officials said the network operates principally from Mexico and Venezuela and has become an important source of revenue for Tren de Aragua, which the United States designated a foreign terrorist organization last year. — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

During the Cold War, the great powers signed a treaty that froze territorial claims to the continent and designated it a site of scientific exploration and cooperation. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Trump also has sought to put his name on the Kennedy Center, even though Congress designated it as a memorial to the late president. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026