1. To appoint or choose someone or something for a particular purpose:
* "The company designated a new CEO."
* "This area is designated for parking."
2. To identify or mark something for a particular purpose:
* "The map designates the location of the park."
* "The building is designated a historic landmark."
Here are some synonyms for "designate":
* Appoint
* Select
* Choose
* Name
* Nominate
* Identify
* Mark
* Label
The specific meaning of "designate" depends on the context in which it is used.