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 experience is exhausting, especially for older riders who have to stand at stops without benches.
—
Yaelis Pena, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Walkers should meet at the circle rest area by the bike racks and benches.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
With a witness on the stand during a hearing outside the presence of the jury, people connected to Wright rushed from gallery benches to the hall, dozens of sheriff’s office deputies scrambled to the fifth floor and the judge left the bench.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
The investment in Point Breeze led to new benches and bike racks as well as a pocket park with murals, picnic tables and planters.
—Bill Seiders, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Potting benches, antique hutches, and even existing coffee bars (perfect for espresso martinis) are all great ways to offer drinks to your guests without adding an unnecessary piece of furniture to your space.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Some stations might have benches and shelters added, while others might only receive lighting upgrades.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
Similarly, Teague has created eight wooden benches that will be spread out throughout the museum.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Elderly couples sat talking on benches.
—Barry Hoffner, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Yaelis Pena, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Walkers should meet at the circle rest area by the bike racks and benches.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
With a witness on the stand during a hearing outside the presence of the jury, people connected to Wright rushed from gallery benches to the hall, dozens of sheriff’s office deputies scrambled to the fifth floor and the judge left the bench.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
The investment in Point Breeze led to new benches and bike racks as well as a pocket park with murals, picnic tables and planters.
—Bill Seiders, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Potting benches, antique hutches, and even existing coffee bars (perfect for espresso martinis) are all great ways to offer drinks to your guests without adding an unnecessary piece of furniture to your space.
—Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Some stations might have benches and shelters added, while others might only receive lighting upgrades.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
Similarly, Teague has created eight wooden benches that will be spread out throughout the museum.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Elderly couples sat talking on benches.
—Barry Hoffner, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benches
Noun
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At the same time, Reisz said, lawyers are pushing judges who oversee the cases to act swiftly, since interminable procedural delays ensure people remain incarcerated.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The remaining judges saw their caseloads balloon.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 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
-
But the move comes as scam texts impersonating toll agencies, courts and banks are surging nationwide.—
Joshua Sidorowicz,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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Yet Trump’s previous attempt to remove a Fed governor, Lisa Cook, has been tied up in courts.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benches. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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