1
as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law
appealed to the bench for leniency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in tribunal
an assembly of persons for the administration of justice
a ruling from the bench is expected any day now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bench
The decor is relatively spare, allowing the natural materials to shine and emphasizing clever design tricks like the dining-table bench built into the back of the kitchen island.
—
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
That was enough to turn a three-point deficit when the Heat’s bench unit entered to a six-point advantage by the time some of the starters re-entered the game late in the first half.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Macuga designed a bathroom with ample space for two people to share comfortably, complete with a steam shower with two heads and a floating bench and a generous stand-alone tub for lingering soaks.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
Miller was in street clothes Thursday and on the Hornets bench.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bench
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
That was enough to turn a three-point deficit when the Heat’s bench unit entered to a six-point advantage by the time some of the starters re-entered the game late in the first half.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Macuga designed a bathroom with ample space for two people to share comfortably, complete with a steam shower with two heads and a floating bench and a generous stand-alone tub for lingering soaks.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
Miller was in street clothes Thursday and on the Hornets bench.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
-
Then, the three-judge Ninth Circuit panel on October 20 issued a stay on Immergut’s first restraining order — a ruling that could have paved the way for a deployment as the legal battle played out.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The guest of honor Sunday was Scott, who stood in the road across Kavanaugh to serve as the event's honorary judge.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal rejected China's sweeping South China Sea claims in the waters but Chinese government has ignored the ruling since.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Most conflicts are decided by the tribunal of public opinion.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There, a mechanic began repairs on the car, but was ordered to stop because of the ongoing court arguments over the car.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
If the court accepts the case, oral arguments could be scheduled for the spring, with a possible decision by June.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share