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Definitions

enlist

[en-list] / ɛnˈlɪst /
VERB
sign up for responsibility
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admit appoint assign attract call up conscript employ engage enroll enter gather hire join mobilize recruit serve volunteer
STRONG
draft embody get hitch incorporate induct initiate inscribe interest levy list muster oblige obtain place procure record register reserve secure
WEAK
call to arms conscribe enter into join up press into service sign on take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cancel discharge dismiss divide eject expel fire ignore lay off leave let go oust refrain refuse reject repel separate shun stop withdraw
STRONG
exclude forfeit forget lose remove unfasten
WEAK
avoid dodge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tolkan landed a scholarship to the college, but his academic career was short-lived, and he left to enlist in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

However, it said that Russian law allowed foreign nationals who are legally in the country to voluntarily enlist in the armed forces.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Parents pay thousands of dollars and enlist college counselors to burnish their high-schoolers’ summer portfolios.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Countless propaganda posters call for people to enlist with the army, crowding out adverts for a production of "Swan Lake" at the local theatre.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Willie tried to enlist in the army and was turned down; whereupon he threw up his job with the milk company, came home, announced that he was a failure, and went to bed.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.