The difference between Designate and Earmark

When used as verbs, designate means to mark out and make known, whereas earmark means to mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.

Designate is also adjective with the meaning: designated.

Earmark is also noun with the meaning: a mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.

check bellow for the other definitions of Designate and Earmark

Designate as an adjective:

Designated; appointed; chosen.

Examples:

"rfquotek Sir G. Buck"

Designate as a verb:

To mark out and make known; to point out; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description

Examples:

"usex to designate the boundaries of a country"

"usex to designate the rioters who are to be arrested"
Designate as a verb:

To call by a distinctive title; to name.
Designate as a verb:

To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; — with to or for; to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.

Earmark as a verb (transitive):

To mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.
Earmark as a verb (transitive, by extension):

To specify or set aside for a particular purpose, to allocate.

Examples:

"You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project."

Earmark as a noun:

A mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.
Earmark as a noun (US, politics):

The designation of specific projects in appropriations of funding for general programs.
Earmark as a noun:

A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.