1
as in to choose
to decide upon (the time or date for an event) usually from a position of authority
the designated time for the meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to appoint
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty
he has yet to designate his successor as head of the firm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to name
to give a name to
he was designated "Air Jordan" by his fans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of designate
In January, the Pentagon designated Tencent a Chinese military company, showing that Mississippi’s state pension fund doesn’t categorically reject investments linked to the Chinese military.
—
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
The administration had previously designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, while the Justice Department has several indictments accusing Maduro, Cabello and othe top regime members of leading Venezuela’s top narco-trafficking group known as the Soles Cartel.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
In Tuesday’s corresponding move, the Sox designated pitcher Yoendrys Gómez for assignment.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Such extraordinary diversity flourished in the context of one exceptional circumstance: the United States was one of only a handful of countries (including Mexico, Australia, and Eritrea) to not designate an official language.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
The administration had previously designated Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, while the Justice Department has several indictments accusing Maduro, Cabello and othe top regime members of leading Venezuela’s top narco-trafficking group known as the Soles Cartel.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
In Tuesday’s corresponding move, the Sox designated pitcher Yoendrys Gómez for assignment.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Such extraordinary diversity flourished in the context of one exceptional circumstance: the United States was one of only a handful of countries (including Mexico, Australia, and Eritrea) to not designate an official language.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for designate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designate
Verb
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There are so many reasons why a player may choose to play in a particular location, for a particular team, for a particular coach that have nothing to do with the tax situation in that market.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
5 June 2025
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One viewer, however, chose to focus on the size of her backside — comparing it to previous online commentary instead of the performance itself.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
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When French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Jean-Noël Barrot last September as his new Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs—the fourth during eight years in power—some feared the 42-year-old economist might be totally eclipsed by the country’s kinetic leader.—
Vivienne Walt,
Time,
10 June 2025
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Patel and Bongino, who were appointed as the top two leaders at the FBI by Trump, have a history of conspiratorial posts and statements about the Capitol attack.—
Scott MacFarlane,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Another bonus: The aptly named Cabana Club at the stern offers another 355 square feet surrounded by 270 degrees of windows.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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The Byrd Rule Thanks to the Byrd Rule, named for the late Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.V.), there are some limits to reconciliation.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Verb
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But, he’s set an NHL record with 12 goals on the road.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2025
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In the defense’s dueling opening statement, Combs’ lawyer, Teny Geragos, sought to set Jane apart from Ventura.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Verb
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In Emmy history, 33 actors — 22 men and 11 women — have been posthumously nominated.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
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During his run on the soap, Jackson was nominated for nine Daytime Emmy Awards, winning in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011, and 2012.—
Mekishana Pierre Published,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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If the bill was a mistake, call 1-800-HHS-TIPS to report it.—
Louise Norris,
Verywell Health,
14 Feb. 2023
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Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.—
Saleen Martin,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2023
Verb
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Joseph was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and played for the team until 2022, according to the NFL.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2025
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Boeing Starliner launches from Florida on crewed test As the two astronauts selected for the Starliner's first crewed flight test, Wilmore and Williams launched June 5, 2024, on a mission to test a vehicle intended to one day join the SpaceX Dragon in transporting NASA astronauts to orbit.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
Verb
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But ultimately, he was reassigned to minor league camp, and assigned to Triple-A to start the season.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Crews assigned today will continue hitting hotspots.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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