commit

Definition of commitnext
1
2
as in to pledge
to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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 The pardon granted by the president was not some political favor but an act to a citizen who earned it for a life well lived after a crime committed more than 20 years ago. Mac Engel february 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026 That separation program was launched months after the company had committed to laying off 20,000 employees. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026 Black Bear has committed to a wide domestic release and is handling international sales. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026 Burzycki has committed to Ohio Wesleyan. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • Using its multi-camera vision system, the robot identifies laundry items, determines their orientation and shape, and executes folding motions learned during training.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This was the first of many awooga visuals to come—mass twerking, a fleeting shot of guy-on-guy grinding, and Bad Bunny executing his trademark crotch thrust.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Counties would have five years to repay the loans, and would also have to pledge a source of revenue in the event FEMA didn't reimburse the funding.
    ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • That happened after Kennedy pledged during his confirmation hearings not to undermine vaccine funding.
    Amanda Seitz, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In France, 60% of respondents said their government’s policies will leave future generations worse off, as did 53% in the United Kingdom and 51% in Germany.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Payne fled after the shooting, leaving his children behind.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • He was jailed in January 2021 and moved to an Arctic penal colony in late 2023.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For example, Yasser Abu Shabab, the now-deceased head of one of the gangs, reportedly escaped prison, where he was jailed for drug smuggling.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Afterward, Azevedo pushed other councilmembers to pass an emergency shelter ordinance that would have made striking a deal for the housing units easier to accomplish, prosecutors claimed.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • From afar, this may seem tough to achieve, the sort of magic trick only a pastry chef could accomplish.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The government has vowed to appeal the decision.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Congress failed yesterday to advance a spending bill that would fund the department through the end of September, and Democrats have vowed not to support any bill without major changes to immigration enforcement.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dad hands me the paper, the certificate of ownership from the National Archives.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • North Carolina regulators this week blocked Carolina Water Service from imposing a temporary rate increase, handing a short-term victory to thousands of homeowners already fighting a broader, long-term hike.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Even today, families continue searching for loved ones, uncertain whether they are imprisoned or dead.
    Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Navalnaya said her husband exhibited no instances of heart disease before he was imprisoned.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on commit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!