recognizance

Definition of recognizancenext
as in bail
law a legal promise made by someone before a court of law that must be kept to avoid being punished After his arraignment, the suspect was released on his own recognizance.

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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 recognizance We’re left to our own recognizance. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 Cooper was released from jail on a personal recognizance bond after a court appearance Friday morning. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Annie O’Connell released him on his own recognizance until his next court date on July 29. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 June 2026 He was released on a personal recognizance bond. ABC News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for recognizance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recognizance
bail
Noun
  • Most schemes involved hiding behind computer screens, renting nonexistent apartments or exploiting a grandparent’s love by asking for a grandchild’s fake bail.
    Ari Maas, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026
  • Even if the bond was granted, Wilber worried his family wouldn’t have the funds to pay his bail, which can cost thousands of dollars.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recognizance. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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