the death penalty
noun
: death as a punishment given by a court of law for very serious crimes : capital punishment
If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
She opposes the death penalty.
Examples of the death penalty in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If convicted in his parents’ murders, Nick Reiner faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
—
New York Daily News, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Instead, Kohberger decided to pursue a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
When asked after the hearing why the death penalty wasn't immediately sought, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the option wasn't off the table.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, according to the Los Angeles district attorney.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the death penalty
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New York Daily News, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Instead, Kohberger decided to pursue a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
When asked after the hearing why the death penalty wasn't immediately sought, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the option wasn't off the table.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, according to the Los Angeles district attorney.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the death penalty
Cite this Entry
“The death penalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20death%20penalty. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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