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 Alawites maintain that women cannot be entrusted with the core beliefs of the religion, which are passed down from one generation of men to the next. Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026 This tradition was started by her grandmother, Queen Mary, after the dress had been entrusted to her by Queen Victoria, and only adds to the importance and preciousness of this heirloom. Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026 Jackson's body was entrusted to Leevy's Funeral in Columbia. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 The announcement created significant confusion and had the potential to divert donor support from the work the Homeless Coalition is entrusted to carry out. Alexandria Ayala, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrust
Verb
  • Officers were tasked with combating what officials said was a rise in thefts, people spending money obtained by defrauding the state’s unemployment system and quality of life issues like loud music and the smell of marijuana drifting into stores, according to a 2021 Times investigation.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Noem's departure marks a turnaround for a close ally to the president who was tasked with steering his centerpiece policy of mass deportations.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Last month, in a separate case, Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal handed Lai a rare legal victory by overturning his conviction for fraud ⁠and ​quashing a 69-month sentence.
    Reuters 8 hr ago, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The Heat was in control the rest of the way, handing the Nets their 10th straight loss.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Easter brunch is the perfect excuse to cook these decadents rolls—and, trust us, everyone will thank you.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The prophecy of sorts seems to suggest the Frasers will violate their own plan to steer clear of the war, but can it be trusted?
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Late November through May is the dry season there, which means fewer rains to stir up the water—leaving it with some of the clearest visibility for snorkeling and diving all year.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • San Francisco put on the hardest of sells on to try to keep the talented linebacker — head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch flew to Texas to try to talk him out of leaving — but Greenlaw ultimately chose the Broncos.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The camp is intended for short-term stays before detainees are transferred or deported.
    Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Noting some confusion over the like-for-like numbers this year, given recent changes to the business structure, the analysts said that weapon and ammunition growth will remain elevated, and there is scope for its naval business to be resilient, too.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The dozens of demonstrators who signed up to give their public comment had to wait outside.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And the loss of Amarion Dickerson, who would’ve been a key rotation piece, ended up being a major blow for a team that was counting on everyone at the top of the rotation to deliver.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The remarks, delivered to Standard Bank executives and reported for the first time by Semafor, captured the growing unease among policymakers about how quickly the external shocks can undermine domestic planning, especially for an open, import-dependent economy like South Africa.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Our hope is that the Islamic Republic will relinquish power and transfer it to the people.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
  • China, historically the largest driver of the country’s overall trade deficit in goods, has relinquished its status in that regard.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrust. Accessed 12 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