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
As the players headed to their benches and the officials took their customary walks to the scorer’s table for the time out, Atkinson scrunched his face, stuck out his hands, and mockingly clapped toward Blair — who ignored the obvious taunt.
—
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In the coming weeks, Berkebile, along with his colleague Brian Weinberg, will lead a variety of projects, including building a parking lot and welcome plaza equipped with benches and informational signage about the forest.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
New benches are 12 inches wider.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Walking paths are smooth and well-maintained, with benches and gazebos here and there, and clear signage to keep you from getting lost.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Also inside are wood tables and benches that Hildenbrand made out of black walnut wood from Washington state.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The base bid of $286,615 includes replacing the foundation slab, installing new striping and equipment, resurfacing the court area with a color coating, upgrading entrances to meet ADA compliance standards, adding new benches and installing a shaded seating area.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Zoox’s interior is a little more stylish than the passenger compartment of a London taxi, though, with cup holders and wireless charging pads on both benches.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
The town square has charming water features, blooming flowers, rustic benches and smiling residents that personify small-town charm.
—Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In the coming weeks, Berkebile, along with his colleague Brian Weinberg, will lead a variety of projects, including building a parking lot and welcome plaza equipped with benches and informational signage about the forest.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
New benches are 12 inches wider.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Walking paths are smooth and well-maintained, with benches and gazebos here and there, and clear signage to keep you from getting lost.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Also inside are wood tables and benches that Hildenbrand made out of black walnut wood from Washington state.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The base bid of $286,615 includes replacing the foundation slab, installing new striping and equipment, resurfacing the court area with a color coating, upgrading entrances to meet ADA compliance standards, adding new benches and installing a shaded seating area.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Zoox’s interior is a little more stylish than the passenger compartment of a London taxi, though, with cup holders and wireless charging pads on both benches.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
The town square has charming water features, blooming flowers, rustic benches and smiling residents that personify small-town charm.
—Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benches
Noun
-
The judges face a ticking clock as local election clerks prepare to finalize ballots for the August primaries by May 26 and decisions in the three cases are likely to come quickly.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
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Marquee judges there included some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Stephanie Macleod – the legendary master blender for Dewar’s – and Billy Leighton, the iconic longtime blender at Jameson Irish Whiskey.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
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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
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Trump faces the lowest approval ratings yet in his second term, and much of his global tariff regime has been struck down in courts.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
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Other amenities include flushing toilets and hot showers, an RV dumping station, a playground, and basketball and volleyball courts.—
Anna Laird Barto,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benches. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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