Constitute — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌtüt/ con·sti·tute

Meaning & Definition of Constitute

Constitute (verb)

  1. make up, form, compose
  2. set up, establish
  3. enact

Constitute (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be all the substance of

    "nine players constitute a baseball team"

    similar: compose, comprise, form, make up
    related: embody, epitomize, incarnate, incorporate, integrate, materialize, personify, substantiate, complement, complete, supplement, fill (out), flesh (out)

  2. to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of

    "a fund was constituted to help needy students attend the prep school"

    similar: begin, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, set up, start
    related: author, father, originate, conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), create, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, produce, think (up), construct, put up, develop, enlarge, expand, endow, finance, fund, subsidize, arrange, organize, systematize, systemize, refound, reinitiate, reinstitute, relaunch
    opposite: close (down), phase out, shut (up)
    near: abolish, annihilate, annul, nullify, end, finish, halt, stop, terminate, round (off or out), wind up, wrap up

  3. to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

    "the legally constituted authorities with jurisdiction in this matter"

    similar: appoint, assign, attach, commission, designate, detail, name, nominate, place
    related: authorize, delegate, depute, deputize, anoint, consecrate, create, inaugurate, induct, install, instate, institute, invest, make, ordain, crown, enthrone, throne, choose, destine, draft, elect, handpick, select, single (out), vote (in)
    opposite: discharge, dismiss, expel, fire
    near: blackball, depose, dethrone, displace, eject, evict, oust, overthrow, remove, throw out, uncrown, unmake, unseat

  4. to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action

    "charged with enforcing such regulations as are constituted by the government"

    similar: enact, lay down, legislate, make, ordain, pass
    related: reenact, repass, bring about, effect, allow, authorize, permit, sanction, decree, dictate, proclaim, administer, execute, approve, confirm, ratify
    opposite: repeal, rescind, revoke
    near: abolish, abrogate, annul, cancel, invalidate, kill, nullify, overturn, reverse, void

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Constitute

The most common words with a similar meaning to Constitute:

compose, comprise, form, make up, begin, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, set up, start, appoint, assign, attach, commission, designate, detail, name, nominate, place, enact, lay down, legislate, make, ordain, pass

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Constitute

Words with the opposite meaning of Constitute:

close (down), phase out, shut (up), discharge, dismiss, expel, fire, repeal, rescind, revoke

Related Words for Constitute

embody, epitomize, incarnate, incorporate, integrate, materialize, personify, substantiate, complement, complete, supplement, fill (out), flesh (out), author, father, originate, conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), create, devise, fabricate, invent, manufacture, produce, think (up), construct, put up, develop

Near Antonyms of Constitute

abolish, annihilate, annul, nullify, end, finish, halt, stop, terminate, round (off or out), wind up, wrap up, blackball, depose, dethrone, displace, eject, evict, oust, overthrow, remove, throw out, uncrown, unmake, unseat, abrogate, cancel, invalidate, kill, overturn

Word Forms of Constitute

Inflections: constituted, constituting

Origin & Etymology of Constitute

Middle English, from Latin constitutus, past participle of constituere to set up, constitute, from com- + statuere to set statute

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Constitute

  • Topics: Common Actions / Verbs

Frequently Asked Questions about Constitute

What does "Constitute" mean?

"Constitute" means make up, form, compose. As a verb, it is defined as: make up, form, compose. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Constitute"?

Other words for "Constitute" include compose, comprise, form, make up, begin, establish, found and inaugurate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Constitute" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Constitute"?

There are 112 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Constitute". Common alternatives include compose, comprise, form, make up, begin, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate and innovate.

What is the opposite of "Constitute"?

Antonyms of "Constitute" include close (down), phase out, shut (up), discharge, dismiss, expel, fire and repeal. Near antonyms include abolish, annihilate, annul and nullify.

How do you use "Constitute" in a sentence?

Examples of "Constitute" in a sentence: "nine players constitute a baseball team"; "a fund was constituted to help needy students attend the prep school"; "the legally constituted authorities with jurisdiction in this matter".

Is "Constitute" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Constitute" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Constitute"?

"Constitute" is pronounced /ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌtüt/ and divided into syllables as con·sti·tute.

What is the origin of the word "Constitute"?

"Constitute" comes from Middle English, from Latin constitutus, past participle of constituere to set up, constitute, from com- + statuere to set statute. First known use: 15th century.