Formal:
* Appoint: This is a very common synonym for "designate," meaning to officially choose someone for a position.
* Nominate: This implies suggesting someone for a position, but it doesn't guarantee they'll be chosen.
* Elect: Used for choosing someone for a position through voting.
* Name: This is a simpler word for "designate," but it can also mean simply giving a name to something.
* Assign: To give someone a task or responsibility.
* Allocate: To formally set aside something for a specific purpose.
Informal:
* Pick: A more casual way to say "designate"
* Choose: Similar to "pick," but slightly more formal.
* Select: Implies making a careful choice.
* Set: To decide on something definitively.
Other related words:
* Identify: To recognize or point out something specific.
* Specify: To state something in a clear and precise way.
* Define: To explain the meaning or nature of something.
The best synonym for "designate" will depend on the specific context of your sentence.