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

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 relegate The Duke product had asked for his release after being relegated to playing scout team safety during practice last week. Vincent Frank, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 Ski trips shouldn’t be relegated to the rich and even richer. Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024 From the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's to the management of chronic pain and depression, music is no longer relegated to the fringes of modern medicine. Daniel Levitin, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 After every election, sitting members of the House who are retiring or lost their race are relegated to this sad wing for their final weeks in office. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relegate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relegate
Verb
  • The pet camera shows Dotty first sitting on her cot, with her head plopped down in disbelief that she'd been banished.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was sentenced to time served and probation, and banished from metro Atlanta for 10 years.
    Kristal Dixon, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Several studies have even been conducted around their old blocks and their wines are classified as some of the most peppery in the world.
    Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Getty Images In these cases, the offense would be classified as a felony, and would be punishable by a term of imprisonment of no more than five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or $500,000 in the case of a corporation, or both.
    Eamon Javers, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Ortega's Rule Under Scrutiny Nicaragua's government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, imprisoning opposition figures, exiling journalists and shuttering over 5,000 organizations since 2018.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • After founding the adult DVD empire Girls Gone Wild and cementing the brand into the 2000s pop-culture zeitgeist, creator Joe Francis has been exiled to Mexico amidst a slew of legal battles and has largely remained out of the spotlight.
    Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His offensive contributions included leading the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 touchdowns and ranked third with 1,152 receiving yards.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Green Bay has two defense backs out for this game with injuries, and the Packers defense ranks No. 29 in the league in receiving success rate to opposing running backs.
    Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001, released in 2009 and subsequently deported back to Belize.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • While the California legislature has limited how much local law enforcement can collaborate with immigration enforcement, federal agents can operate independently from local law enforcement to deport unauthorized immigrants.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • So much about gift-giving now is as straightforward as clicking a button online, but several of these Chicago stores distinguish themselves by being independent experts in their field.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
  • An ability to distinguish between sentimentality and sentiment.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Then the pilots flew over the Río de la Plata, the wide estuary separating Argentina and Uruguay.
    Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Entrepreneurs often face the daunting task of separating their emotional attachment to the business from its financial valuation.
    Sara Khaki, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • One particle of smoke is categorized as PM2.5, and these pollutants often derive from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel and wood.
    Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Data on physical activity and sedentary behavior were collected and categorized as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behavior.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near relegate

Cite this Entry

“Relegate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relegate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on relegate

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