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 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 Threats Are Outpacing Change In The Merchant Marine Complex and wide-ranging assaults on cargo vessels are consigned virtually every peacetime cargo-carrier’s operational assumptions into a messy obsolescence. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Battles between auction houses and marketplaces for customers to consign valuable sports trading cards occur on a daily basis, with each company making sales pitches as to why someone would receive the most money in selling through them. — Larry Holder, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Had he been exposed to a more run-of-the-mill pneumonic plague, symptom onset would have already consigned him to bed. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consign
Verb
  • The duo leaves us there for nearly six minutes, sending drone clouds of various textures while Schwendener’s voice drifts through the distant fog.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities are placing emergency sand on beaches as quickly as possible, Napuri said, adding that forecasts show the Kelvin Wave could send water levels between six to 12 inches higher.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jim Woolery was a dealmaker at the white-shoe law firm Cravath before leaving to run M&A at JPMorgan.
    — Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • If a client’s business looks the same six months after an engagement ends, or if the gains fade the moment the vendor leaves, that was delivery.
    — Vikas Verma, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The twist is, the would-be brides and grooms must hand total control of their love lives to their families.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • One day earlier, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget granted $20 million to CBP before the money was handed to the advertising agency.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Institutions ensure that responsibility survives the individuals entrusted with it.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The board is entrusted with the educational, physical and financial well-being of the district.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • According to court records, the money obtained was allegedly transferred to various individuals and businesses, primarily Annas 4 Contracting, LLC, and New Life Painters, LLC.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This is also the first congressional election cycle since George Soros transferred control of his political operation to Alex in 2023.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Its winner, whether filmmaker or rights holder, will give the platform an exclusive license to show the film for a limited period.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Intense sound effects—such as the exceptionally long reverberation and echoes inside the Blue Demon tomb—gave a dramatic soundtrack to this intense, immersive experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As reported, Golden Goose continued to deliver strong growth in the first half of 2026, supported by an acceleration in its direct-to-consumer channel and double-digit gains across all regions.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • RoboParty also revealed that the RP1 delivers peak joint torque of up to 160 N•m.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Tate Nagy relinquished punt return duties to Keaton Kubecka Saturday.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
  • And now, after its award-winning world premiere in the Next Wave competition at Fantastic Fest and a major screening at Zurich Film Festival, Schulman is slowly but surely relinquishing control.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consign. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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