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
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
Wipe down the frames of chairs, tables and benches with a damp cloth.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
In the field behind the station, the Threatts set up tables with benches under a canopy of lights strung between trees.
—Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Gordon and Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert were among the players who weren’t participating in the game but left their benches during the incident.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
The experience is exhausting, especially for older riders who have to stand at stops without benches.
—Yaelis Pena, Miami Herald, 21 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
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
Wipe down the frames of chairs, tables and benches with a damp cloth.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
In the field behind the station, the Threatts set up tables with benches under a canopy of lights strung between trees.
—Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Gordon and Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert were among the players who weren’t participating in the game but left their benches during the incident.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
The experience is exhausting, especially for older riders who have to stand at stops without benches.
—Yaelis Pena, Miami Herald, 21 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benches
Noun
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During the legal dispute between family members, three judges recused themselves, Swartz reported at the time.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
Though judges make determinations on what type of evidence a jury will hear, their rulings are typically open to the public, an important measure for transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
3 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
-
Once fated to be replaced by pickleball courts, the beloved basketball courts at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park are here to stay.—
Amanda Rosa
May 6,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
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In the vacuum left by the state, questions about who is responsible and who should pay for cleanup are being hashed out in the courts as cities and counties face hundreds of millions of dollars in costs to filter drinking water.—
DYLAN JACKSON,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benches. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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