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

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 consign Additionally, the collector consigned the painting, which also carries a third-party guarantee. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 Feb. 2025 You’re allowed to consign a maximum of 20 items per visit. Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions, took to social media to make a plea to the child and the family to consign the card with his company involving a unique caveat. Larry Holder, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Those looking to consign a collector car may do so at barrett-jackson.com/consignment. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 25 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • But even in those negotiations, the Ukrainians felt that the Russians were not being serious and hadn’t sent high-level people.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The woman was sent to a nearby hospital to be treated, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said, per the outlets.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So who ended up getting married, and who was left hanging?
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The result was that when Biden came in, the Afghan army was broken in spirit, and the Taliban had brokered surrender deals with local Afghan commanders, and only had to wait for the U.S. to leave.
    Jamie McIntyre, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Coney Barrett provided the key vote, siding with the three liberal justices and Chief Justice John Roberts to hand the Trump administration a major loss.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The coaching staff can’t just hand minutes to anyone.
    Tony East, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Before transferring to join Clemson’s inaugural gymnastics program, Clark was also a star at Utah State University.
    Caroline Price, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Bond spent two seasons with Alabama before transferring to Texas for the 2024 season.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And, at least in international markets, being crowned with an Academy Award is already giving the film considerable boost.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Choosing either the Four Seasons or Boulders gives a convenient combination of accommodations, spa, food and access to four of the very best golf courses in greater Scottsdale.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Quizzed about his personal views on Stoltenberg’s versatile talent, Gulliksen points to his acute professionalism in preparing for meetings, conferences or public appearances, and his special relationship with words to deliver a speech in the least conflictual way.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Them’s news and politics newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Thursday.
    Samantha Riedel, Them, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Fifty-seven children have been relinquished under under safe haven laws in Connecticut since 2001, according to public testimony to the Committee on Children.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Almost immediately, however, Congress began delegating some of that power to the presidency.
    Claire B. Wofford, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This capability extends beyond simple query responses, allowing businesses to delegate multifaceted tasks to AI agents, which come with significant upsides and distinct challenges.
    Tao Zhang, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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