as in judge
a public official having authority to decide questions of law
chose to take their case before the local magistrate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of magistrate
Jesus of Nazareth died from crucifixion under the orders of Roman magistrate Pontius Pilate on Good Friday.
—
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
Noelcius was an investigative magistrate in Haiti, a powerful post from which judges carry out investigations and, based on findings, issue indictments and warrants for the arrest of individuals.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike the first trial in Avignon, which was overseen by five professional magistrates, the appeal trial was judged by a jury, and this time citizens had their say.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
Jesus of Nazareth died from crucifixion under the orders of Roman magistrate Pontius Pilate on Good Friday.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for magistrate
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
Noelcius was an investigative magistrate in Haiti, a powerful post from which judges carry out investigations and, based on findings, issue indictments and warrants for the arrest of individuals.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike the first trial in Avignon, which was overseen by five professional magistrates, the appeal trial was judged by a jury, and this time citizens had their say.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
Jesus of Nazareth died from crucifixion under the orders of Roman magistrate Pontius Pilate on Good Friday.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for magistrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magistrate
Noun
-
The judge expressed disbelief in a 66-page opinion.—
Steve Karnowski,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Cash told the judge that the loitering charge is discriminatory against homeless people and should be dropped.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The District Attorney’s office dismissed all charges related to those arrests, court records show.—
Julia Coin
March 3,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If Khan violates the terms of his probation, the court could impose the eight-year prison sentence, according to the District Attorney’s Office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Magistrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magistrate. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
