commit

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as in to pledge
to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word commit distinct from other similar verbs?

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

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

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

When could consign be used to replace commit?

The meanings of consign and commit largely overlap; however, consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

In what contexts can entrust take the place of commit?

The words entrust and commit can be used in similar contexts, but entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

Where would relegate be a reasonable alternative to commit?

While the synonyms relegate and commit are close in meaning, 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 commit We are committed to maintaining American leadership in realizing this vision. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 If Laws is found not guilty by reason of insanity, she will be committed to a state hospital for an extended period, News4SA reports. Kc Baker, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 The Browns were committed to keeping Garrett; Browns general manager Andrew Berry told the media that the Browns would not trade Garrett, who has spent all eight seasons with the franchise. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025 Chatsworth has the City Section’s best player in McDonald’s All-American Alijah Arenas, who committed to USC last week. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commit 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • The mission went forward, was executed flawlessly, and Walton was returned to safety.
    Daniel Klaidman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There was a tiny cell, its walls painted deep red and carved with graffiti, where prisoners who were to be executed were kept.
    Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The 1910 building will be renovated but owner Erin Tolbert pledged preserve its character.
    Adam Tamburin, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Patel pledged to respond to appropriate requests from Congress expeditiously and fully.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Playful princess Kate Middleton enjoyed helping a 4-year-old girl leave a handprint at a children’s hospice — and ended up with one herself.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The organization had strict policies in place, but the lack of proper training and infrastructure left gaps.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Bail was set at $1 million Friday and Junior remained jailed.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2025
  • In a post on X, the rapper fiercely criticized Rocky, and called for him to be jailed.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Here's what to know about who performed during the Grammy Awards.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Somehow, the various components of blood—red and white cells, platelets, and plasma—manage to perform an entire spectrum of life-promoting functions.
    Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mexico Mexico also vowed retaliation following the news, although did not reveal specifics.
    Katrina Bishop, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Speaking to Cathy Kelley backstage while wearing a neck brace, Speed vowed to return for the 2026 Royal Rumble, boldly calling out everyone—including Roman Reigns.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But instead of throwing the flowers over her head into the crowd, Krause turned around and handed them to Brink.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • States are handing multimillion-dollar contracts to a handful of fledgling private companies to manage the rapidly growing, convoluted marketplace of school-choice programs.
    Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Beginning in 1907, these women — deemed typhoid carriers — were imprisoned in the former psychiatric hospital, their lives shaped by fear, stigma, and medical injustice.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near commit

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on commit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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