APPOINT Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'appoint' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appoint are accoutre , equip , furnish , and outfit . While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings. // a lavishly appointed apartment

Q: When is it sensible to use 'accoutre' instead of 'appoint'?

While the synonyms accoutre and appoint are close in meaning, accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity. // fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

Q: In what contexts can 'equip' take the place of 'appoint'?

The words equip and appoint can be used in similar contexts, but equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use. // a fully equipped kitchen

Q: When can 'furnish' be used instead of 'appoint'?

While in some cases nearly identical to appoint , furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function. // a sparsely furnished apartment

Q: Where would 'outfit' be a reasonable alternative to 'appoint'?

The synonyms outfit and appoint are sometimes interchangeable, but outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation. // outfitted the family for a ski trip

appoint

verb

ə-ˈpȯint

Definition of appoint

as in to set

to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority at the appointed hour we were in our places

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to nominate

to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty was appointed to the council on national security

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb appoint contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of appoint are accoutre, equip, furnish, and outfit. While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

When is it sensible to use accoutre instead of appoint?

While the synonyms accoutre and appoint are close in meaning, accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

In what contexts can equip take the place of appoint?

The words equip and appoint can be used in similar contexts, but equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

When can furnish be used instead of appoint?

While in some cases nearly identical to appoint, furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

Where would outfit be a reasonable alternative to appoint?

The synonyms outfit and appoint are sometimes interchangeable, but outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

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 appoint Remarkably, Hindoyan is only the third music director appointed by the company, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The charges were ultimately dismissed by the federal judge overseeing the case, who said Smith was unlawfully appointed special counsel. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Noel McClean has been appointed Head of Bectu and will take over from the retiring Philippa Childs early next year. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 McGirr was appointed creative director of McQueen in October 2023. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appoint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appoint

Verb

The decision to set that tone staggering through all 10 minutes of the extended cut might scan as raw inspiration, placing Spacemen 3 on a narrow band from La Monte Young and Terry Riley to some brilliant dro)))ne future.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Anthropic wants Congress to set strict limits on when federal authorities can stop advanced AI models from reaching users.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of set

Verb

Starting with a silhouette and buckle, clients choose among materials including satin, leather, patent and suede, as well as colors and finishes.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The hotel has a total of 59 rooms and suites, residences, villas, and houses for guests to choose from, including a few options in the original farmhouse, or stancija.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

After the Minnesota Twins designated Trevor Megill for assignment in April 2023, the Brewers acquired the reliever for Taylor Floyd, who hasn't appeared in a major league game.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Boucher said the California couple designated her as their spokesperson and wished to remain anonymous.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of designate

Verb

Visitors select individual petals, shape them using a thermoforming machine and assemble their own accessory.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
More plausibly, CPUs, GPUs, AI accelerators, HPC and quantum resources will coexist, selected driven by workload economics and suitability.

— Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

The broadcaster and champion of the high street, who transformed the fortunes of Harvey Nichols, picks her favourites.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
While the three were picking their way through a clump of trees at the far end of the cornfield, half a dozen does came out of the willows single file, walked under my platform within six yards of me, and started to feed.

— Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pick

Browse Nearby Words

apply (to)

appoint

appointed

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Style

“Appoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appoint. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of appoint

verb

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