as in dedicating
to keep or intend for a special purpose
the earnings from my second job have been earmarked for a down payment on a car
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Recent Examples of earmarking
In 2016, city voters passed Proposition H, with 64% in favor of the city earmarking tax money for infrastructure repairs.
—
Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
The Senate is earmarking $2 million, while the House doesn’t put any money towards the initiative.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
At a time when colleges and universities have spent considerable money on new athletic stadiums, student fitness centers, multi-level food courts, and million-dollar salaries for football and basketball coaches, earmarking money for high quality campus security continues to be problematic.
—Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The process of earmarking potential barrels begins years in advance.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
The Senate is earmarking $2 million, while the House doesn’t put any money towards the initiative.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
At a time when colleges and universities have spent considerable money on new athletic stadiums, student fitness centers, multi-level food courts, and million-dollar salaries for football and basketball coaches, earmarking money for high quality campus security continues to be problematic.
—Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
The process of earmarking potential barrels begins years in advance.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earmarking
Verb
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The 41-year-old bass virtuoso and R&B visionary has done the same before, dedicating his Grammy-winning previous album to rapper Mac Miller, a longtime friend.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
15 Apr. 2026
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There are no immediate plans for a service, but Florida Atlantic University’s Theatre Lab is dedicating its 2026 Owl New Play Festival, through April 26, to his memory.—
Bill Hirschman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nothing will ever undo the original sin, and devoting your life to ruining someone else’s is a loss for both of you.—
Paula L. Woods,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
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Tony has fully jumped into our theatre program devoting himself to straight plays and musical theatre.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sara Doody Mid-Century Lift-Top Coffee Table Apartment dwellers will love this space-saving coffee table with a convenient lift-top that doubles as a kitchen table and work desk.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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That same year, he was awarded the commissioner’s unit citation for saving the lives of multiple residents during a six-alarm fire, the mayor’s office said.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earmarking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earmarking. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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