1
as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law
appealed to the bench for leniency
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2
as in tribunal
an assembly of persons for the administration of justice
a ruling from the bench is expected any day now
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bench
While trying to avoid a check in front of the home bench, Barton was knocked over the boards and appeared to hit his head.
—
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Gonzalez’s fast-break finish began a stretch of 12 straight points scored by Celtics bench players.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Hachimura's 3-pointer for a 108-106 lead started an 11-2 run that Doncic capped with a driving layup for an eight-point edge, prompting the Slovenian star to turn his old bench and declare the game over.
—CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026
That wasn't the only basketball brawl in Kentucky this week, as a high school game had fisticuffs and benches clearing.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Gonzalez’s fast-break finish began a stretch of 12 straight points scored by Celtics bench players.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Hachimura's 3-pointer for a 108-106 lead started an 11-2 run that Doncic capped with a driving layup for an eight-point edge, prompting the Slovenian star to turn his old bench and declare the game over.
—CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026
That wasn't the only basketball brawl in Kentucky this week, as a high school game had fisticuffs and benches clearing.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
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On Wednesday, the Manhattan district attorney's office urged the judge in that case to schedule a July 1 trial date.—
MICHAEL R. SISAK,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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Reilly argued that the judge handling the civil proceedings never evaluated the complaint as potentially falling under an ordinary negligence claim.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republican parties have already appealed the decision to the state’s Appellate Division and also directly to the state’s highest tribunal, the Court of Appeals in Albany.—
Jeffrey M. Wice,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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During the two-year investigation, former manager David Moyes, who acted as a witness in Paqueta’s tribunal hearing, and his team-mates provided a safe haven at the training ground.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The case was settled out of court in 2022, with Andrew admitting no wrongdoing.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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During a hearing in Utah court on Tuesday, Robinson’s lawyers questioned Utah County Attorney General Jeffrey Gray, Grunander, and Grunander’s daughter.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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