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

Synonym Chooser

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 Executive vice president of finance Amy Ard was appointed CFO to replace Fiedler. — Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Brazil’s next president will be able to appoint at least three new justices. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Amid challenges to its industrial plan and operational turnaround, high-end Italian design furniture firm Natuzzi has appointed a new chief executive officer. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Now, nearly two years later and after national outrage, New York’s governor has appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. — Mary Beth Canty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appoint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for appoint

Verb

Just three plays later, Madsen connected with junior wideout Cam Bates for a 6-yard touchdown and a 17-10 lead that set the groundwork for Boise State to run away with the game.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
This comes after Toney also already set the school record for single-game receiving yards in the season opener against Stanford.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of set

Verb

Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The Sakharov winner is chosen by the European Parliament's president and top EU lawmakers from among candidates nominated by the parliament’s various political groups.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of nominate

Verb

Mississippians have not chosen a new Democratic senator since 1947, and Democrats last won a Senate race there when that senator, the onetime segregationist John Stennis, won his last reelection in 1982.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Swift’s fans were disappointed by the outcome of the game and how the Seahawks chose to celebrate on social media.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine with pembrolizumab or placebo injections alongside the immune treatment.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Students were randomly assigned to the roles of guards or inmates, with the guards pressured to maintain order by any means necessary.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of assign

Verb

The United States designates both critical minerals and critical materials, and there is some crossover between them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Sotheby’s announced Thursday that the works, recently designated French national treasures, had been withdrawn following discussions between the Schlumberger family and the city of Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne’s hometown.

— Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of designate

Verb

Ethan then sued Denims for copyright infringement, which was ironic, as Ethan’s reaction videos set much of the precedent for what constitutes fair use on commentary YouTube.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026
Today, whether social media – and its impact on young attention spans – will have a lasting impact on who constitutes this narrow reading class long-term is as yet unclear.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of constitute

Verb

Others in the sales organization picked it up within twenty-four hours of him sharing it in Slack.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Instead, studios seem to be picking works that come with a hungry audience attached but can still exist independent of their roots.

— Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 22 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of appoint

verb

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