Synonym Chooser

How is the word consign distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of consign are commit, confide, entrust, and relegate. While all these words mean "to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose," consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

When is it sensible to use commit instead of consign?

While the synonyms commit and consign are close in meaning, 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 could confide be used to replace consign?

While in some cases nearly identical to consign, confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

In what contexts can entrust take the place of consign?

The words entrust and consign are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

When would relegate be a good substitute for consign?

The synonyms relegate and consign are sometimes interchangeable, 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

Examples 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 consign Watson plays Sister Mary, whose convent is concealing a Magdalene Laundry, businesses run jointly by the Church and the Irish state where unwed mothers were consigned to repent of their sins, do hard labor and ultimately deliver their babies for adoption. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024 The unexpected crisis at the Etihad has consigned Pep Guardiola’s side to the status of also-rans. James Pearce, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 In a rational world, this idea would have been consigned to the dumpster long ago, and forever. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 In 1999, the jersey was consigned back to Grey Flannel Auctions — where Imperato was a co-founder — and advertised for auction as a 1930 Ruth road uniform. Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consign 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • In a recent episode, a viewer sent Zarco her Mimi’s lemon squares recipe from 1992, along with a note and some fabulous photos of her relative.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Some meal kits send you premade meals, while others send ingredients paired with recipes, and a few more are grocery delivery services.
    Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But it was reported Thursday that Biden would not enforce the ban and instead leave the decision to incoming President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to save the app.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • But with 3½ days left in office, Biden renewed attention for a century-old fight that energized generations of women.
    Mike Allen, Axios, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Last summer, at the time a photo of Lionel Messi blessing him at barely six months old resurfaced and went viral, Lamine won the Euros with La Roja in Germany ahead of being handed the Golden Boy gong by Tutto Sport and the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Her dad has a strong scene, handing his watch to Deputy Hank to pass along to Juliette before Dr. Pete completes his suicide mission and blows up the stairs.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In August that same year, her employer transferred her to the position of night guest laundry attendant at a wage of $16.50 an hour.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But strikers Carlos Vinicius, Islam Slimani and, to an extent, Darwin Nunez have struggled to transfer their Primeira Liga form in Portugal to the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As the organization travelled with the evidentiary trove of Caesar’s photographs, Mazen gave it a human face.
    Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
  • On January 16, Elon Musk appeared to give the Nazi salute while on stage following the 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Following Black Myth Wukong, the Chinese gaming industry will deliver big action game with Lost Soul Aside.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Why the Supreme Court is likely to side against 170 million TikTok users What will happen to TikTok Shop orders that have already been placed but not delivered?
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Chiefs wouldn’t relinquish the lead the rest of the game.
    Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
  • And, to access the program, a parent must relinquish custody of his or her child to the state — a requirement many parents find inhumane.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Galinsky highlights how inspiring leaders delegate responsibility and celebrate others’ successes.
    Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • By his own admission, Johnson has needed time to improve his ability to delegate tasks and retain trust in the assistant coaches around him.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near consign

Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consign

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