commit

Definition of commitnext
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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 Can the capacity to commit horrific acts be passed through bloodlines? Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2026 Others committed a couple of days after Brown, including Keshaun Singleton, the Bulls’ leading receiver (50-877-8) in 2025. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 All were indicted for conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other felonies. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026 My mom is a master of packing light, often committing to one main shoe for an entire trip, and these fit the bill perfectly. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that search warrants were executed in relation to VC Defensa but did not answer questions about the nature of the investigation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • Advertisement Another key decision that the administration will need to make, Sandweg said, is how much freedom the White House is willing to give the next director in executing its immigration policies.
    Philip Wang, Time, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Al-Saadi would use various social media accounts to promote terrorist attacks and pledge retaliation, according to the complaint.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
  • Well, there's always been ambiguity and many administrations have pledged to put a number or put some kind of line on it.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Soon after leaving school, the organization Fighting Words changed that for me.
    Via Riverhead, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Rather than leave existing clients in the lurch, Lee allowed IDW to essentially inherit those accounts, allowing the fledgling business to become profitable within its first year of operation.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Alicia Vikander plays Baranov’s wife Ksenia, and Tom Sturridge is a banker and oligarch based on former oil and gas baron Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was jailed after challenging Putin’s grip on power.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 May 2026
  • Torrie Lemon, 24, pleaded guilty to the charge on Thursday, May 14, according to a sentencing order obtained by PEOPLE, which notes that following her 40 days jailed, she would be placed on probation for a period of 1,420 days.
    Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Chiefs-Broncos fan sniping One thing the announcement of the opener being at Arrowhead Stadium accomplished was fueling the Chiefs-Broncos rivalry online.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026
  • Their huge mandate makes the party’s bleak local election results and a series of scandals appear that much worse, as some lawmakers within the party are expressing frustrations that Labour should be accomplishing more.
    Isa Soares, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The two Republicans, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, spoke of a halcyon California destroyed by feckless Democrats and vowed a return to those days.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • However, Havana has rejected past overtures — including Washington’s recent offer of $100 million in aid — while the regime has vowed to hold on to power despite rising domestic and foreign pressures.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Din tries to simply hand the Darksaber to Bo-Katan, but this isn't an option.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • If left unaddressed, that vulnerability could hand Beijing enormous leverage over American industry for decades to come.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The minotaur was a monster, half man and half bull, that was imprisoned in a dark underground labyrinth.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • For months conflicting news accounts have circulated that he was imprisoned or under house arrest.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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