stay of execution
noun phrase
: an order that temporarily stops an execution
The court issued a stay of execution.
Examples of stay of execution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While the ruling was a win for death penalty opponents fighting against the use of nitrogen gas, the court stopped short of granting Lee a stay of execution or attempting to banish the method altogether.
—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
After clemency was denied, Glossip’s attorneys filed for a stay of execution with the Supreme Court.
—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Neil Wilson, Saxo UK investor strategist, said today’s King’s Speech may offer Starmer a reprieve, but might not be a stay of execution.
—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
The Florida Supreme Court denied Hitchcock’s requests for postconviction relief and a stay of execution last week.
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay of execution
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Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
After clemency was denied, Glossip’s attorneys filed for a stay of execution with the Supreme Court.
—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Neil Wilson, Saxo UK investor strategist, said today’s King’s Speech may offer Starmer a reprieve, but might not be a stay of execution.
—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
The Florida Supreme Court denied Hitchcock’s requests for postconviction relief and a stay of execution last week.
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stay of execution
Cite this Entry
“Stay of execution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stay%20of%20execution. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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