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 Denigrating the relationship—deciding, for instance, that the rejecter was evil, dishonest, unworthy of your respect or time— devalues your own history, in effect consigning the whole relationship to the trash bin. — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 Valjean’s famous bread-theft-to-feed-his-starving-family here becomes a footchase/fight setpiece before he is caught and consigned to an ever-lengthening prison sentence. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 In a world that promises to be defined by AI, universities that fail to produce graduates who can use it productively will consign themselves to irrelevance. — Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 One indication was that Dorothée Lalanne and Marie Lalanne consigned separate collections to be auctioned—Dorothée to Sotheby’s in 2021 and 2022 and Christie’s in 2024, and Marie to Christie’s in 2022. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • These two will squeeze the air between them, sending faster winds at the coast.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This allowed the attackers to display Bing's legitimate domain in the Google advertisement while using Bing's click-tracking redirect to send visitors toward the malicious destination.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Composer Ghulam Mohammed died in 1968 after writing the songs, leaving Naushad to complete the background score.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The collection launches with Seeded Natural, an unbleached, undyed fabric that leaves the cotton’s own seeds visible in the weave.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • When asked, Beckham handed the bottles to Pierce, who noted three different types of pills in the bottle.
    — Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Reputational risks Trump’s regulators are handing ⁠Wall Street banks major capital relief and have already clashed with Democrats when defending their policies during congressional hearings.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The second challenge is pursuing smart development while protecting the natural and community character entrusted to us.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • It was later entrusted to Bulgari, where it was subsequently transformed into a diamond ring.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The 56-year-old was transferred on Friday from FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey to FCI Allenwood, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson confirmed with The Times.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Through its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) programme, the service aims to develop modular systems that can be transferred between different military vehicles to expand air defense capabilities beyond specialized units.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Four turboprop engines power the aircraft, giving it the performance needed for demanding military transport operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is darkly poetic, a tragedy delivered like a nursery rhyme.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement The same technology that is delivering fortunes in Silicon Valley can also deliver help to the least fortunate.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • She was only forced to relinquish the title when she was drafted to the Raw brand.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Moon, meanwhile, is struggling at school but on the precipice of adulthood; as the young woman begins to make her own decisions in life, Yue must relinquish a degree of maternal responsibility.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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