Synonyms of appoint

appoint

verb

ə-ˈpȯint 

1

as in to set

to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority

at the appointed hour we were in our places

Synonyms & Similar Words

• set
• choose
• designate
• select
• pick
• arrange
• establish
• announce
• name
• assign
• specify
• adopt
• determine
• fix
• prefer
• coordinate
• declare
• advertise
• publish
• settle
• pin (down)
• opt (for)
• orchestrate
• single (out)

2

as in to nominate

to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

was appointed to the council on national security

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nominate
• assign
• constitute
• designate
• name
• authorize
• elect
• attach
• commission
• induct
• place
• delegate
• choose
• ordain
• create
• select
• detail
• inaugurate
• install
• deputize
• anoint
• depute
• institute
• consecrate
• crown
• invest
• make
• enthrone
• instate
• handpick
• vote (in)
• destine
• draft
• throne
• single (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismiss
• expel
• discharge
• fire
• remove
• oust
• displace
• depose
• unseat
• evict
• overthrow
• dethrone
• eject
• unmake
• throw out
• blackball
• uncrown

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb appoint contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appoint are accoutre, equip, furnish, and outfit. While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

When is it sensible to use accoutre instead of appoint?

While the synonyms accoutre and appoint are close in meaning, accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

In what contexts can equip take the place of appoint?

The words equip and appoint can be used in similar contexts, but equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

When can furnish be used instead of appoint?

While in some cases nearly identical to appoint, furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

Where would outfit be a reasonable alternative to appoint?

The synonyms outfit and appoint are sometimes interchangeable, but outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of appoint

The Athletic previously reported that the 41-year-old was on the verge of being appointed the Dutch side’s new head coach. —Nnamdi Onyeagwara, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

Louis DeJoy, who was originally appointed by Trump in 2020, announces plans to step down as postmaster general. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025

At the time, Warner Bros. appointed Kids, Young Adult and Classics president Tom Ascheim to manage the Wizarding World and Potter franchises, which include theme parks, tours and the $9.1 billion-grossing theatrical library that spans the Harry Potter and spinoff Fantastic Beasts titles. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

The county Board of Supervisors will appoint Gibson — who will take sponsor group training before being seated as a new member — likely in March. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025