designate

verb

ˈde-zig-ˌnāt How to pronounce designate (audio)
Definition of designatenext
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 Mesa was designated for assignment by Miami in February so the Rays made a trade to get him. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Argentina has previously designated several other groups as terrorist organizations, including Venezuela’s Cartel of the Suns, Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel and three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood. — Almudena Calatrava, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Two people seated in an area designated for WNBA public relations staff remained in their seats during the performance. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The author argued that designating the group as a terrorist organization put vandalism, public demonstrations, and base disruptions on the same level as al-Qaeda war crimes. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for designate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate
  1. choose
  2. appoint
  3. name
  4. set
  5. nominate
  6. call
  7. select
  8. assign
Verb
  • Price optimization means choosing prices that advance business goals, such as increasing profits, attracting shoppers or clearing unsold goods.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • How to choose the right butternut squash Squash should have a uniform beige color and the surface should be matte, not glossy.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of choose
Verb
  • He was appointed by Commissioner Richard Lara to serve on the city’s charter review committee and recently resigned from the city’s planning and zoning board to run for office.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of appoint
Verb
  • Moore was named the Cougars’ new head coach this past offseason, while Miller left his role as wide receivers coach at Boise State to become offensive coordinator in Pullman; both coaches played together at Boise State in the early 2010s.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Construction has already begun on the new district, named the Water Gardens, which will include two hotels and residential and office towers, and is set for completion before the end of 2028.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of name
Verb
  • Just three plays later, Madsen connected with junior wideout Cam Bates for a 6-yard touchdown and a 17-10 lead that set the groundwork for Boise State to run away with the game.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This comes after Toney also already set the school record for single-game receiving yards in the season opener against Stanford.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of set
Verb
  • Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Sakharov winner is chosen by the European Parliament's president and top EU lawmakers from among candidates nominated by the parliament’s various political groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of nominate
Verb
  • Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • The Royals selected him in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Arizona State.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Sandy Springs City Council this week selected a new development team for the second phase of City Springs.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of select
Verb
  • Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine with pembrolizumab or placebo injections alongside the immune treatment.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Students were randomly assigned to the roles of guards or inmates, with the guards pressured to maintain order by any means necessary.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of assign

Browse Nearby Words

design
designate
designated
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Cite this Entry

“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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