appointed
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for appointed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Chosen officially for a role, rather than elected.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
decreed
appointive
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Chosen officially for a role, rather than elected.
“The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is appointed.”
2. adjective
Fixed or agreed in advance.
“They met at the appointed time and place.”
Opposites
How to use appointed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
newly appointed
the appointed hour
appointed official
Frequently asked questions
What does “appointed” mean?
The word “appointed” means chosen officially for a role, rather than elected. In plain terms, officially chosen for a position, or set in advance (as with a time).
How do you pronounce “appointed”?
“Appointed” is pronounced uh-POYN-tihd (/əˈpɔɪntɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “appointed” in a sentence?
Here is “appointed” used in a sentence: “The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is appointed.”
What part of speech is “appointed”?
“Appointed” is an adjective.
Is “appointed” a common word?
“Appointed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “appointed” have?
“Appointed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: chosen officially for a role, rather than elected.
What is the difference between appointed and elected?
Someone appointed is chosen for a role by a person or body with the authority to do so — a leader, board or committee. Someone elected is chosen by a vote, usually of the public or of members. Appointment reflects the judgement of those in charge; election reflects the choice of the voters.
What is an example of an appointed position?
Judges in many countries are appointed rather than elected, as are government ministers, ambassadors, and members of company boards and public committees. In each case a person or body with the power to decide selects the individual for the role, instead of the post being filled by a popular vote.
Is an appointed role less legitimate than an elected one?
Not necessarily — they simply draw their authority from different sources. Appointment allows expertise and experience to be prioritised and can shield a role from short-term politics, which is why judges are often appointed. Elected roles carry a direct public mandate. Each suits different kinds of responsibility.
