magistrates

Definition of magistratesnext
plural of magistrate
as in judges
a public official having authority to decide questions of law chose to take their case before the local magistrate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 magistrates Judge Amanda Tipples, who was assisted by two magistrates, said that the initial report made by Brooks did not mention damage to the phone, but referred to harassment instead. ABC News, 1 May 2026 In 16th-century Italy, gamblers could wager on the election of civic magistrates and the outcome of papal conclaves. Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 Petro did not participate in the attack, which left several guerrillas and around half the high court's magistrates dead. Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026 When are magistrates going to keep bad guys behind bars? Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 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 Judges and magistrates are required to follow the law and constitutional standards in every case and cannot make decisions based on ideology or public pressure. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 The district judge declined her jurisdictional prerogatives, saying that the case was too serious to be settled in a magistrates’ court and must be heard by a Crown Court, which deals with the most severe criminal offenses. Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Investigating magistrates have filed preliminary charges against three men and one woman who were arrested last month. CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magistrates
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Magistrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magistrates. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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