commit

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as in to pledge
to obligate by prior agreement we were committed to finishing the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Soliman was booked on multiple preliminary charges including first-degree murder and using explosives or an incendiary device while committing a felony. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 3 June 2025 Billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates is committing the majority of his massive fortune to improving health care and education in Africa over the next 20 years. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 June 2025 China has always been committed to working with countries concerned to properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, while safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 The mayor’s staff also committed for the first time to studying whether to exempt city residents from new parking fees — or give them discounts — at off-street lots, including the zoo and the rest of Balboa Park. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for commit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commit
Verb
  • The bride clarified that each idea only took about a minute to execute if not less time.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • The Syrian government even returned the belongings of the Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed in Damascus in 1965 after his espionage was discovered, in a goodwill gesture.
    Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Signatories pledged to halve emissions, but efforts are hard to quantify.
    Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Once the case in Romania concludes, authorities pledged to honor the UK's request to extradite them to face trial in Britain for the separate allegations of rape and human trafficking involving different women between 2012 and 2015.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • But the stunning decline in imports could mean retailers have less of an inventory buffer, leaving them less able to avoid paying future tariffs — and that could lead to price increases for US consumers.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
  • Ground crews attacked the right flank of the fire while an air tanker made retardant drops across the head and left flank.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang said in a press briefing Thursday that those who were jailed for national security offenses and freed from correctional facilities enjoy freedoms, including freedom of expression, like other residents.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • Two Miami-Dade County employees were jailed Wednesday on charges of stealing public artwork valued at more than $50,000 from Port Miami, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • But this year, the original cast members of Hamilton are not throwing away their shot to perform at Broadway’s biggest night.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 June 2025
  • Also in New York City, Uma Thurman brings her daughter Luna to the opening night of Eurydice, while Ciara performs at King's Cross in London.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • On the Democratic side, senators have vowed to not discuss stadium funding until the state approves more money for victims of the St. Louis-area tornadoes.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • On foreign policy, Lee has not made any contentious remarks recently and has steadfastly vowed to pursue pragmatic diplomacy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • During the video, Diggs pulls out a bag containing a pink substance and hands it to one of the women.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • The Bad Boys star previously joked that Murphy handed the responsibility to him.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Larry Hoover remains imprisoned under a state murder conviction despite the commutation of his federal sentences by President Donald Trump.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Law enforcement officers in Arkansas were on the hunt Wednesday for a former police chief who broke out of a state facility where he was imprisoned for rape and murder.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commit. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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