1
as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law
appealed to the bench for leniency
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bench
In Florida, a twenty-three-year-old named William Herring was arrested for sleeping on a bus-stop bench.
—
Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Exploring the entire island top to bottom in one of these pickup trucks with bench seating in the back feels like its own island safari adventure.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
On a four-man bench, that would leave room for only a backup catcher and no true reserve outfielder.
—Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
The Royals will have one more bench spot to fill as spring training commences next week.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bench
Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Exploring the entire island top to bottom in one of these pickup trucks with bench seating in the back feels like its own island safari adventure.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
On a four-man bench, that would leave room for only a backup catcher and no true reserve outfielder.
—Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
The Royals will have one more bench spot to fill as spring training commences next week.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
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The Google hearing on Monday comes after a U.S. District Court judge in Virginia ruled against the company in another major case, saying the company illegally maintained a monopoly in some online advertising technology.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2025
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That suit started in the same federal district court in Texas that first heard the latest challenge, which critics say shows opponents of Obamacare were looking for a friendly judge.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The code is admissible evidence in court and labor tribunals, thus providing workers with real authority during disputes with their employers.—
Dee Coakley,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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During his papacy, Francis sought to clean up Vatican finances and changed the law to ensure that Becciu, as a cardinal, could be judged by a Vatican tribunal of judges.—
Lauren Said-Moorhouse,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign pushed back at a lower court hearing, however, saying no deportation flights were scheduled for Friday or Saturday.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
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The grounds include a bocce court, outdoor dining spot, stone fire pit and mature landscaping.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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