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 judge gestured at Lindor to take a seat in one of the courtroom’s wooden pew benches.
—
Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the unintentional nature of the plunking, both benches were warned when Kemp began veering toward the mound after being hit.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
The way Laver Cup tells a story over a long weekend with events such as the iconic photo (this year with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop), black carpet and opening night gala and team benches gives tennis a distinct perspective.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
As teams retreated to their benches, the match was immediately delayed, followed by an announcement of an early halftime.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
People lingered in public spaces, chatting on benches, sharing snacks from street vendors, and enjoying live music that floated through the air.
—Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
The interior features plenty of chrome, along with cloth upholstery on the door panels and front and rear benches.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
From the back benches to the presidency Bolsonaro's conviction marks the nadir in his trajectory from the back benches of Congress to forge a powerful conservative coalition that tested the limits of the country's young democratic institutions.
—Ricardo Brito, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
On Virgin, expect buzzy group workouts like bungee fitness and thermal suites with mud rooms, salt rooms, and hammam benches.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the unintentional nature of the plunking, both benches were warned when Kemp began veering toward the mound after being hit.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
The way Laver Cup tells a story over a long weekend with events such as the iconic photo (this year with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop), black carpet and opening night gala and team benches gives tennis a distinct perspective.
—Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
As teams retreated to their benches, the match was immediately delayed, followed by an announcement of an early halftime.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
People lingered in public spaces, chatting on benches, sharing snacks from street vendors, and enjoying live music that floated through the air.
—Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
The interior features plenty of chrome, along with cloth upholstery on the door panels and front and rear benches.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
From the back benches to the presidency Bolsonaro's conviction marks the nadir in his trajectory from the back benches of Congress to forge a powerful conservative coalition that tested the limits of the country's young democratic institutions.
—Ricardo Brito, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
On Virgin, expect buzzy group workouts like bungee fitness and thermal suites with mud rooms, salt rooms, and hammam benches.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benches
Noun
-
The performance drew praise for its elegance and control, with judges highlighting Efron’s growing command of ballroom technique.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Federal judges aren’t required to follow guidelines.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Such action could include an arms embargo, sanctions and more support for international tribunals investigating Israel's possible crimes.—
Mariam Khan,
ABC News,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Only the Journalists' Association is authorized to evaluate the work of professionals in the field, not social media tribunals.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors appealed the ruling, and a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit — which oversees lower courts in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana — affirmed the decision, 2-1, in June 2017, a further win for Dassey.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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While the Oscar winner officially filed for divorce in Nashville courts on Tuesday, news of their separation came to light the day prior.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benches. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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