Definition of consignnext

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 Like the police report in Sebold’s assault, those cases had also been quickly consigned to the inactive file. ProPublica, 14 July 2026 According to New York investigators, the vase was smuggled out of Italy by Fritz Burki and consigned for sale at Christie’s London before entering the museum’s collection. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The nation is already nearing last year’s record case total, and experts say the virus is forcing doctors to relearn a disease many thought had been consigned to history. Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 6 July 2026 From virtually the first frames, director Andrew Stanton is preoccupied with illustrating the melancholic condition of toys that have been consigned to the ash heap of history, or, at least, of childhood. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • So, Basabe laid out, extended his left arm, made contact with the ball — and sent it straight into right field.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mazur's death has since sent shockwaves through the local music community.
    Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • WireImage Three days after Jeongyeon became the first TWICE member to leave JYP Entertainment in the group’s eleven-year history, Chaeyoung has announced her own departure.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities are searching for the driver of a van who struck a man in a wheelchair in Dania Beach and fled the scene, leaving the victim injured and his wheelchair damaged.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Osorio said he was handed the baby, a boy, and gave him to a police officer, who took him to an ambulance.
    Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Arizona Cardinals released him this offseason and handed their starting job to Jacoby Brissett, Murray's former backup.
    Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The focus is widening to include the financial stewardship of the organizations receiving those dollars, and whether nonprofit boards are exercising sufficient oversight over the executives entrusted to spend them.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As congestion grows, so has the challenge – entrusted to Space Force Guardians – of identifying and tracking any object larger than a basketball.
    Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Rivadeneira’s husband, Elias Vera, was quickly transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Folkston, a small Georgia town that sits just north of the Florida border.
    Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • He has since been transferred to federal custody after receiving treatment at a hospital, according to CNN affiliate WABC.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The pact gives Saudi Arabia a powerful new layer of protection beyond its longstanding security partnership with the United States amid growing regional doubts over whether Washington can still be relied upon to protect its oil-rich Gulf allies.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • McIntosh’s Bryan Boone, the county’s building and zoning administrator, said just shy of 30 feet was the minimum given the flood risk.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That is Beijing's answer, delivered through Hong Kong's licensing queue.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For kiddos and adults, fruit serves as a healthy alternative to candy, delivering vitamins, fiber, and hydration while satisfying sweet cravings.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers may have to relinquish their title to the surging Atlanta Braves.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The big headline coming out of Santa Clara was Kyle Shanahan’s July car accident and the resulting head injury that’s forced him to relinquish head coaching duties until he’s fully cleared from concussion symptoms.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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