COMMIT Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

commit

verb

kə-ˈmit

Definition of commit

as in to execute

to carry through (as a process) to completion accused of committing a felony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pledge

to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

renege

as in to leave

to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another commit only some power to each official

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to jail

to put in or as if in prison The defendant was committed to prison following the guilty verdict.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 professionals who continue to grow are those who remain adaptable, curious and committed to learning—even as artificial intelligence transforms industries and rewrites job descriptions. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In despair, reportedly at least 20 students committed suicide. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026 The Mets committed two errors — increasing their season total to 75, second-most in the NL — hours after honoring the 1986 World Series-winning team — the franchise’s most recent champion. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The painting offers a place to commit your heart to meditation. — Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit

Verb

Occhicone and Duckett were put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison, bringing the number of inmates executed this year to 12.

— Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
On Wednesday, the FBI executed a search at Dane Fine Art, a gallery based in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

— Harrison Jacobs for ARTNews, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

Tech giant OpenAI is pledging $71 million to Georgia college students, in the form of $100 one-time credits students can use on one of their AI tech platforms.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
If elected, Stacy Lake has pledged to create a countywide public transit system separate from the KCATA, based on a rapid bus line linking far eastern Jackson County to the heart of Kansas City.

— Ilana Arougheti July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of pledge

Verb

That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
The ruling leaves the DOJ with a losing record in district court cases seeking such data, in addition to an earlier appellate loss.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026

Definition of leave

Verb

But getting there would first mean crossing Blair Mountain in neighboring Logan county, whose sheriff, Don Chafin, had vowed to block any union advance into his county.

— Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
All five of the Democratic candidates for governor this year have vowed to repeal the law if elected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of vow

Verb

Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly and Kevin Alcántara each hit two-run home runs, and the Chicago Cubs handed the Los Angeles Dodgers their fourth consecutive loss with a 10-5 victory Monday night at Wrigley Field.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
From being handed important communication roles on defense to being moved around as a chess piece in multiple defensive spots, Downs has answered each challenge the coaching staff has handed him.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of hand

Verb

Baker and Obeidat penned a BBC News investigation on the website last year that confirmed he was imprisoned by the Assad regime.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Her earliest memories are of an underground bunker, patrolled by male guards with whips, where she was imprisoned with thirty-nine older women.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of imprison

Cite this Entry

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“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of commit

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