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 Worthy certainly was a significant part of the game-plan, and then his significance in the game was relegated to one series. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 With astronomy firmly established as a science, astrology was relegated to the realm of the occult or pseudoscience. Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 On display here is a crisis of disavowal, in which architects are relegated to playing mad scientists in a lab completely cut off from the world. Kate Wagner, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025 And yet it was almost always relegated to the exam room, somewhere with stirrups in sight. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relegate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relegate
Verb
  • Arafat’s successor, current PA President Mahmoud Abbas, has banished and imprisoned opponents and critics.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This tension is only underlined by the filmmakers’ insistence on using pictures of the real Warrens and their demon-banishing clients in the credits of most Conjuring-verse movies.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Forbes classifies Ellison–who bought nearly all of the Hawaiian island Lanai for $300 million in 2012–as a California resident based on his voter registration.
    Ella Malmgren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Arguing that relocation can stem the loss of biodiversity, the government has classified some islands used by Nicobarese tribals as wildlife sanctuaries.
    M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ruthlessly exiling those players sent a clear message about the importance of squad harmony, but arguably handed the leverage in negotiations to buying clubs, driving down their prices and delaying their departures.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Even when convicted or exiled, coup plotters may be later freed.
    Joe Wright, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Charlie Kirk Show, which recorded over 750 episodes and has been ranked in the top 10 of Apple podcasts, is known for conservative takes on politics.
    Richard Hall, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On that June mission, all passengers on board the flotilla were detained off the coast, taken to Israel and later deported.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The South Korean workers' treatment stands in stark contrast to the experiences of tens of thousands of Mexicans, Venezuelans and Guatemalans who face months in jail-like detention centers before being forcibly deported.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Innovating Under Constraints What distinguishes Aravind is not merely his technical expertise, but his strategic approach.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The platform delivers several breakthrough capabilities that distinguish it from traditional object storage solutions.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Often overlooked and also categorized with fetishism (also known as axilism), armpits are sensitive to both light and firm touch.
    Essence, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Planet’s history of volatility, ongoing unprofitability, and fierce competition categorize this as a high-risk, high-reward investment.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relegate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relegate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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