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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bench
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Parliament also reappointed the chairman of the constitutional tribunal, attorney general, and judges of the Supreme Court.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • 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
  • The court case and admissions Solway and her attorney filed a petition to remove her brother as power-of-attorney and trustee of the family trust in December 2023 in Walworth County Civil Court.
    Carol Thompson, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday afternoon, following a morning court hearing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bench. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bench

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster