bench

Definition of benchnext
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

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 park benches are bare, the outdoor cafe tables barren. Nora Krug, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2026 Stopping to sit on a wooden bench overlooking the water, Mary Oliver once again pops into mind. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026 In addition to tables and seating, look for complementary pieces like umbrellas, weighted bases, side tables, plant stands, and potting benches. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026 When Washington took his first managerial job with the Texas Rangers in 2007, the team brought on Art Howe, who had managed for 14 seasons, to serve as Washington’s bench coach. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
  • The defense attorney has told the judge that Dratman and Fischer failed to call up a witness who gave investigators an alibi for Serafini on the day his wife’s parents were shot.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The judge's order prohibits officials from preparing for the referendum through March 18.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When Liverpool signed teenager Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea, the fee for the winger went to a tribunal.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Then, in December 2023, Tommy Lee Jones filed a petition for the convervatorship to be terminated, which was granted, court records show.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And it’s helped with the basketball chemistry on the court.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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