Designates as symbols (7)

I believe the answer is:

assigns

'designates' is the definition.
('assign' can be a synonym of 'designate')

'as symbols' is the wordplay.
'symbols' becomes 'signs' (signs are symbols or markings).
'as'+'signs'='ASSIGNS'

(Other definitions for assigns that I've seen before include "Appoints to a duty" , "Allocates a task" , "delegates" , "Allocates a job" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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