1
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority
the designated time for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to appoint
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
he has yet to designate his successor as head of the firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to name
to give a name to
he was designated "Air Jordan" by his fans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of designate
Earlier this year, Israel passed legislation prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency from operating inside Gaza and designating it as a terror group.
—
Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2025
The federal government designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997, according to the U.S. State Department.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
While my wife had designated her niece as the recipient of the bracelet and earrings I, still having complete control of the will, would like to give those items to our daughter.
—R Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2025
Prior to Saturday’s game against the Braves, the Yankees designated Rico Garcia for assignment and promoted Allan Winans.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2025
The federal government designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 1997, according to the U.S. State Department.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
While my wife had designated her niece as the recipient of the bracelet and earrings I, still having complete control of the will, would like to give those items to our daughter.
—R Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2025
Prior to Saturday’s game against the Braves, the Yankees designated Rico Garcia for assignment and promoted Allan Winans.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate
Verb
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Southwest passengers now have to choose between four different price tiers of tickets when booking a flight: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
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It’s thought that this larger group will be whittled down to around 15 companies who will be invited into a 15-minute pitch meeting, where a winner will either be declared or a handful of companies will be chosen to develop their ideas further.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Former politicians in Nevada and Florida have been appointed to lead public universities instead of academics – in the Sunshine State, five of the seven public universities are led by former lawmakers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Kentucky Opera has appointed Peggy Kriha Miller as Interim General Director and CEO.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
Sarah Bushman has been named the new Director of Advancement.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
-
IndyStar is not naming the people arrested because they had not been formally charged at the time of publication.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Marie Nino, a professional hairstylist based in New York City, recommends Virtue Flourish’s shampoo and conditioner set for reinforcing strands without leaving them feeling coated or crunchy.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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Tonight the castle was lit up like a movie set with klieg lights and scores of Cinecittà extras vamping as cardinals.—
Nicole Phelps,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Jimmy nominated Adrian Rocha, Keanu Soto and Kelley Jorgensen for eviction.—
David Wysong,
The Enquirer,
24 July 2025
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Trump had previously nominated former Congress member Dave Weldon from Florida.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
24 July 2025
Verb
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However, today most young people rarely call each other.—
Andrea Wigfield,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2023
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Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.—
WSJ,
WSJ,
14 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
Gill recalls getting selected during a ceremony at the train station at Disneyland Park.—
Megan duBois,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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After a fantastic third season at LSU, Nabers was selected sixth overall by the Giants.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The two groups were randomly assigned to one of two lifestyle programs that ran for two years.—
Alice Park,
Time,
30 July 2025
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The Education Agency assigns a letter grade to campuses and districts based on a formula, which involves student achievement, growth, college readiness and other factors.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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