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
The lineup and bench appear deeper this year, what with Ramón Laureano on the team from the outset, Manny Machado looking fully healthy and newcomer Ty France hitting the ball hard.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
The Clippers' bench outscored the Warriors' reserves 71-56.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Biggest concern Other than the fact that Orlando’s starters just lost to eight Celtics bench players in a game the Magic needed to win for playoff seeding?
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
That much was clear from the enthusiasm on Denver’s bench Sunday, and from the effort put forth by Jokic.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
The Clippers' bench outscored the Warriors' reserves 71-56.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Biggest concern Other than the fact that Orlando’s starters just lost to eight Celtics bench players in a game the Magic needed to win for playoff seeding?
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
That much was clear from the enthusiasm on Denver’s bench Sunday, and from the effort put forth by Jokic.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
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The judge ultimately came to the temporary decision of Mortensen being granted temporary custody for Ever with supervised visits for Paul — an arrangement that will last until a second hearing on April 30 to discuss competing protective orders filed by Paul and Mortensen.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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But then federal prosecutors appealed a judge's decision granting him bond with electronic monitoring, and the judge agreed Friday to put it on hold while that appeal plays out.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Parliament also reappointed the chairman of the constitutional tribunal, attorney general, and judges of the Supreme Court.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Khalid Hamideh, a local attorney who has worked with the tribunal, said the group arbitrates in civil family matters as well as in contractual disputes.—
Isabella Volmert,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Multi-faceted bill Among other things, the bill creates a new, private right of action that would allow citizens to file civil lawsuits against ICE agents in court.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
15 Apr. 2026
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The entire Heat bench went out to check on their center, who then was helped off the court and into the locker room alongside Heat physician Harlan Selesnick.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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