Synonym Chooser

How is the word relegate distinct from other similar verbs?

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

Where would commit be a reasonable alternative to relegate?

While in some cases nearly identical to relegate, 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

When is it sensible to use confide instead of relegate?

Although the words confide and relegate have much in common, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When could consign be used to replace relegate?

In some situations, the words consign and relegate are roughly equivalent. However, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

When might entrust be a better fit than relegate?

While the synonyms entrust and relegate are close in meaning, entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

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 relegate Gronkowski believes the Browns made a mistake and that Sanders should be the second-string QB, with Flacco relegated to the emergency option. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 A lot of times the word legacy is relegated to other people. Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Sep. 2025 The author had found that the paranormal romance genre, both on television and in books, has historically relegated Black girls to lesser roles that usually end badly for them. Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025 But as for today’s efforts, they will largely be relegated to the history books. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relegate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relegate
Verb
  • The girl only makes selfless wishes, and Iblis is banished to his lamp for a millennia for his failure.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Payton clearly doesn't think the play needs to banished for player safety reasons.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At its center, Jovanka Antich — exiled, betrayed, hungry for justice — embodies themes of migration, discrimination and gender power.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Among other elements, the plan would end the war, return the remaining hostages, surge aid into Gaza, disarm and potentially exile Hamas, and provide an eventual pathway toward Palestinian self-government.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Tax Foundation, the Buckeye State now ranks eighth in the nation for property tax burden—ahead of expensive states like New York and California—while ranking 40th in median household income.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In Spain, expats love the weather, culture and nightlife, and opportunities for recreational sports with each ranking first in their respective categories.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Roberts, who is challenging the order to deport him to his native Guyana, remained jailed Wednesday in Sioux City, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • After being released into the custody of his brother in Maryland pending trial, he was again detained by immigration authorities, who have sought to deport him.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Observers can distinguish birds from other signals by timing and speed.
    Brandi D. Addison, The Providence Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The Loft distinguishes itself with a private spa, comprising a splash pool, sauna, and steam room.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But even a single app can be tough to categorize.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But that won't ease the fears of anyone who categorizes clowns as monsters.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relegate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relegate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on relegate

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