1
as in judges
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 tribunals
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 benches
The plaza is also set to include additional benches to meet demand for seating, particularly during busy times like the weekly farmers market.
—
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Yellowstone National Park Echinus erupted often in the late half of the 20th century, and viewing platforms and benches allowed visitors to get closer to the site than any other geyser in the park, according to Yellowstone.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
If additional seating is needed, consider poufs or benches that can be tucked away when not in use.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
The boardwalk surrounding Echinus contains several benches and platforms for viewing, which has confused visitors in the past because the geyser erupts so infrequently, according to the USGS.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Accessibility Guest rooms on every floor feature widened entry doors, roll-in showers, tubs with grab bars, movable shower benches, wheelchair-accessible sinks, and door alarms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
City officials consider public property to include bus shelters, public parks, park trails, park benches, park shelters, bridges, or overpasses.
—Lynne Hermansen, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
People aren’t sleeping on benches.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
The gangway between the tents opened up to a vast area of benches that reeked of wet dogs under the pressure of texturizing sprays, mousse, rollers, flat irons, and blow-dryers.
—Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Yellowstone National Park Echinus erupted often in the late half of the 20th century, and viewing platforms and benches allowed visitors to get closer to the site than any other geyser in the park, according to Yellowstone.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
If additional seating is needed, consider poufs or benches that can be tucked away when not in use.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
The boardwalk surrounding Echinus contains several benches and platforms for viewing, which has confused visitors in the past because the geyser erupts so infrequently, according to the USGS.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Accessibility Guest rooms on every floor feature widened entry doors, roll-in showers, tubs with grab bars, movable shower benches, wheelchair-accessible sinks, and door alarms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
City officials consider public property to include bus shelters, public parks, park trails, park benches, park shelters, bridges, or overpasses.
—Lynne Hermansen, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
People aren’t sleeping on benches.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
The gangway between the tents opened up to a vast area of benches that reeked of wet dogs under the pressure of texturizing sprays, mousse, rollers, flat irons, and blow-dryers.
—Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benches
Noun
-
Givens filed a court petition to issue a temporary restraining order against Dallas County commissioners from rewarding judges with a collective $500,000 in supplemental pay because the payment plan excludes her.—
Steve Pickett,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Noem’s minions would defy and frustrate federal judges seeking basic information from DHS about the department’s compliance with court orders.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But through a series of deft legal maneuvers—joined to the ever more ambitious self-concepts of some international legal tribunals—Mauritius was able to win a second legal victory at another international tribunal, for the law of the sea.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
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The position will also represent the department in front of administrative tribunals such as the State Personnel Board and the California Department of Human Resources as well as assist the attorney general’s office on civil litigation matters.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated February 24,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Self is not expecting relief from the courts.—
Gary Bedore
March 4,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The focus on student experience, the complex will include six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and one basketball court, all lit for night action.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benches. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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