variants also intrust
Definition of entrustnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word entrust distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of entrust are commit, confide, consign, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

When is it sensible to use commit instead of entrust?

The meanings of commit and entrust largely overlap; however, commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody.

committed the felon to prison

In what contexts can confide take the place of entrust?

In some situations, the words confide and entrust are roughly equivalent. However, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When can consign be used instead of entrust?

While the synonyms consign and entrust are close in meaning, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

When is relegate a more appropriate choice than entrust?

The words relegate and entrust can be used in similar contexts, but relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of.

relegated to an obscure position in the company

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 entrust As Edison’s football coach, he was entrusted to guide young athletes whose parents bought banned 2 Live Crew records and tapes as teens. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 The interior design project was entrusted to Charles & Co studio, led by Charles, former design director at Soho House, and the hotel is sure to enjoy extra attention thanks to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 Alan Jackson, the celebrity legal eagle, doesn’t recommend clients entrust their social media accounts to third parties —even if those clients crave commutations. Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 Past presidents have at times entrusted unusual emissaries to conduct diplomacy. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrust
Verb
  • As a Hui Muslim, a mostly Chinese-speaking minority, he was tasked with surveilling religious groups for much of his career, including Christians and his fellow Muslims.
    Rebecca Wright, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Laurent Yoon, media analyst with Bernstein, sees WBD as a necessity for Paramount but one that will not be easy on the rank and file tasked with running the businesses.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Benjamin Franklin, 81 years of age, handed his closing speech to his Pennsylvania delegate, James Wilson, to be read aloud.
    Michael Golden, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The Kansas Court of Appeals handed CoreCivic its latest in a string of legal defeats, rejecting the private prison company’s argument that it should be allowed to reopen its Leavenworth facility as an immigrant detention center before securing a local zoning permit.
    Matthew Kelly February 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Bomber Jacket Warmer weather is on its way—trust the process, or at least, the calendar.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026
  • But many in the country wouldn't trust him, either.
    Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And areas of south Lebanon – Hezbollah’s home turf – have once again been pounded from across the Israeli border, leaving dozens of people killed and injured, while thousands have fled their homes to take shelter out of the line of fire.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Whatever your status, seek fairness that respects both voices and leaves room for change.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In June, his twin sons transferred to his alma mater from a Detroit prep school with hopes of making their papa proud and lifting the town’s spirit.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Whereas lithium-ion technologies are transferred from electric vehicle chemistries, Form’s tech instead focuses on heavier, less-efficient iron-air batteries that are, most notably, much cheaper than lithium-ion.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For those criminals, there is zero tolerance — they should be immediately deported or imprisoned, and sanctuary jurisdictions that give them safe harbor must be held accountable.
    Gabe Evans, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
  • But Andrews said state law doesn’t give counties the authority to issue moratoria.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From May through October, Horsefeather Social on the seventh floor delivers open-air drinks, firepit hangouts, and even more city views—arrive right before sunset for the best light.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Nearly a third of teachers hold a second job that is unrelated to education, including driving Ubers, delivering food, and working as bartenders and waiters.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But trade for both, and relinquish a first-round pick in both deals?
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Government has longer-term leverage Despite the shift toward commercial technology, defense leaders are unlikely to relinquish control over mission critical systems.
    Barbara Booth, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrust. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on entrust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster